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MARIO'S CHRISTMAS WISH

Mario Balotelli ‘loves Manchester City’ and would return to ‘play for free’

Mischievous Italian, 27, spent two and a half years at the Etihad following a £24m move from Inter Milan in 2010

Mario balotelli says he would return to Man City for free

MARIO BALOTELLI loves Manchester City so much that he says he would go back for FREE.

The mischievous Italian, 27, spent two and a half years at the Etihad following a £24million move from Inter Milan in 2010.

 Mario Balotelli says he would return to Man City for free
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 Mario Balotelli says he would return to Man City for freeCredit: AFP


But a string of incidents on and off the pitch blighted his stay in Manchester.

He memorably let off fireworks in his bathroom, but it was sparks on the training ground that led to his departure in 2013.

Balotelli was involved in a training ground row with Micah Richards in 2011.

But it was a bust-up with then manager Roberto Mancini that proved the final straw and resulted in his departure to AC Milan.

 Balotelli and Roberto Mancini did not always get along
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Balotelli and Roberto Mancini did not always get alongCredit: Dave Pinegar - The Sun
 Balotelli was also involved in a bust-up with Micah Richards at City training
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Balotelli was also involved in a bust-up with Micah Richards at City trainingCredit: Mark Robinson - The Sun

Now at Nice, via Liverpool, Balotelli says that he would head back in a flash to the club he helped clinch an incredible last-day Prem title triumph in 2012.

The forward said: "I love Manchester City. I love Manchester City fans. I love this club.

 Baalotelli has scored 16 goals in 21 games during his second season for Nice
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Baalotelli has scored 16 goals in 21 games during his second season for NiceCredit: Reuters
Mario Balotelli hilariously rides a mini-motorbike as friend falls off in training ground race

"I would go back to City for free. For me, the year with Manchester City has been the best one of my life.

"Honestly, at the beginning, it was difficult to live in Manchester, which is different from London, and I struggled a little bit.


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"But speaking of football, Manchester City are amazing.

"I am very happy that they have been doing so well, and I hope they will go on to win the Premier League well in advance."

 Balotelli says he would jump at the chance to return to Manchester City
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Balotelli says he would jump at the chance to return to Manchester CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Nice striker Mario Balotelli scores a penalty and gets sent off in the game against Dijon
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