Mario Balotelli on Italian Football's Problems and His Life in the UAE

Mario Balotelli is navigating a period of unusual calm at the age of 36, far from the noise that surrounded him during his most explosive years. The Italian striker, now at Al Ittifaq in the United Arab Emirates, reflects on the troubles facing football back home, his bond with Roberto Mancini and the special feeling of having played for Manchester City. Rather than chasing ghosts of unfulfilled expectations, Balotelli appears at peace with a career as brilliant as it was chaotic.

• Balotelli plays for Al Ittifaq, where he is fulfilling a dream by teaming up with his brother Enock Barwuah.
• He blames screen culture and the loss of street football for Italy's talent shortage.
• He does not rule out an Italy return under Mancini if he keeps scoring.
• He calls his spell at Manchester City one of the best memories of his career.

Why he signed for Al Ittifaq in the United Arab Emirates

Balotelli insists his move to Al Ittifaq was not driven by money. The opportunity came together at the last minute and won him over because of a competitive project with an irresistible family twist. "Everyone assumes you go to Dubai for the money, but that was not my only goal," he explains.

Ever since we were little, we always said we would play together one day. He used to ask how he could play with me if I was at Inter, Milan or City. Now that dream is coming true.

The forward praises the infrastructure and stadiums in the Emirates but admits the lack of crowds is disappointing. He also believes the overall organisation still has room to grow, something he expects to improve over time.

What is wrong with Italian football: empty parks and lost street culture

Balotelli looks at the streets and parks of Italy with concern. For him, the crisis that has kept the Azzurri out of three consecutive World Cups goes beyond tactics: the disappearance of a neighbourhood football culture is the real issue. He remembers spending hours outside as a child, playing until it was too dark to see the ball.

He points directly at electronic devices and a shift in parents' mentality. A seven-year-old today may train for two hours every three days, whereas his generation combined structured sessions with several extra hours in the park every single day. That constant contact with the ball allowed players to test themselves against older rivals and develop more quickly.

Now kids watch Ronaldinho videos and feel like Ronaldinho. I felt like Ronaldo because I could actually pull off his tricks in the park. It is very different.

Mancini's return and whether Italy will ever call him again

Roberto Mancini's return to the Italy bench has reopened an obvious debate. Balotelli, who earned 36 caps and scored 14 goals for his country, does not hide his affection for the coach and reveals they are still in touch. "He texted me to wish me a happy birthday and I told him, jokingly, that I can still play," he says.

The striker argues that Italy blames coaches too quickly while the system escapes responsibility. Despite his pessimism, he expects future generations to restore the country to the elite, just as Spain, France and Germany recovered from their own downturns.

Manchester City and the special feeling of building something

Balotelli remembers his three years at Manchester City with great affection. Under Mancini he won the Premier League and the FA Cup, trophies that helped lay the foundation for the club's later growth. What he values most is not just the silverware but having been part of the group that drove the club's transformation.

Back then City did not have the reputation it has today. We were in the team that took the first steps towards what City has become. That gives you a special feeling, it means a lot more.

How Balotelli sees the final stretch of his career

The striker says he feels good physically, recovering from a minor leg issue and adapting to the heat of the Gulf. Although the climate forces him to manage his effort carefully, he remains eager to compete. His plan is to extend his career for as long as his body responds, because football is still what he loves most.

Once he retires, his priority will be running his businesses and spending time with his children. After such an intense career, he jokes that a sedentary life would not be a bad thing at all.

Frequently asked questions about Mario Balotelli and his future