The Inter Milan boss has been discussing two of his more controversial former charges…
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has accused Liverpool stiker Mario Balotelli of trying to be like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Mario wants to imitate Ibrahimovic,” Spanish paper Sport quotes the Inter Milan boss as saying at a conference at Bocconi University.
“But Zlatan has a few more years, accumulated experience, quality, class and power that [Balotelli] has yet to acquire.”
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While Balotelli’s notoriety for his involvement in controversial and outrageous moments has obscured his talent as a footballer, Ibrahimovic’s idiosyncrasies have always been backed up by goals and incredible consistency.
In spells at Ajax, Inter, AC Milan, Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain the Swede has scored goals and won trophies.
Balotelli’s latest incident has incurred a £25,000 fine and a one match ban from the FA. The striker posted a offensive photo on his Instagram account, although he immediately apologised and claimed he hadn’t realised that it was offensive.
Mancini managed the pair at the San Siro when Balotelli was first making his breakthrough. The Italian coach subsequently brought the striker to Man City, where the striker enjoyed perhaps the best form of his career.