Mario Balotelli has opened up about why he believes his football career didn’t quite match the heights reached by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Italian striker, who was born in Ghana, admitted that the difference lies in their dedication to training.
Once touted as one of the most promising young players in world football, Balotelli has often been seen as someone who never fully realized his potential.
Over the years, he has turned out for some of Europe’s top clubs, including both AC Milan and Inter Milan, Manchester City, Liverpool, Marseille, OGC Nice, Monza, and Adana Demirspor.
In a candid interview aired on Rai2 and reported by GOAL, Balotelli reflected on the choices he made throughout his career.
Speaking on why he never reached Ronaldo’s level, he said, “He kills himself with training, I don’t… He has more money! I could have done more, but I’m happy. I thank the fans who love me, but I made the wrong choice for the type of club. It’s unlikely that I will play again in Italy or Europe. I will play two or three years before I stop.”
Currently signed to Serie A side Genoa, Balotelli’s contract is set to expire this summer.
When asked about his next move, he revealed a desire to experience Major League Soccer.
“Yes, America. I will play two or three years before I stop.”
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age, remaining a top scorer in Saudi Arabia where he has found the net 34 times in 40 matches for Al-Nassr this season.
Both Ronaldo and Balotelli have had impactful, albeit contrasting, journeys in football.
While Balotelli started at Inter Milan and went on to play for clubs across Europe, he often switched teams in search of the right fit.
His career includes 210 goals from 501 club appearances, and 14 goals in 36 caps for Italy. He also boasts three Serie A titles, a Premier League crown, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, has graced football giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
His legendary career includes five Ballon d’Or awards, over 930 career goals, and a trophy cabinet filled with five Champions League titles, multiple domestic league honours, and a European Championship with Portugal.