But in the Premier League’s polished era, Mario Balotelli stood out like a sore thumb.
It is 15 years ago since ‘Super Mario’ first landed on English shores after Roberto Mancini sanctioned a reported €22m deal to sign him from their old club Inter.
The forward’s return of 30 goals in 80 appearances for the Blues wasn’t the most prolific but he still cropped up with some important strikes during that time.
It wasn’t just on the pitch where Balotelli left a huge impression at the Etihad Stadium. Fireworks were often never far away, both figuratively and literally.
The stories of Balotelli’s time in Manchester could fill a book in their own right!
📸 Stu Forster – 2012 Getty Images
