In a recent interview on Contro Calcio, Mario Balotelli didn’t hold back his thoughts on former AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban and ex-teammate Marco Materazzi. The outspoken striker criticized Boban’s attitude and defended Materazzi’s abilities as a player.
Balotelli took aim at Boban’s manner of speaking and his perceived superiority complex:
“I don’t agree with the way he talks. It seems like he knows everything and only his ideas are right. With what nerve does he allow himself to say certain things to Fonseca, to tell a coach how he should do his job?”
The former Italy international continued his criticism:
“The way he talks doesn’t sit well with me. He has it in for everyone. From the way he speaks, it seems like he knows everything and everyone else is stupid. The way he talks, how he says it: ‘Who the hell are you?’ He pisses me off, can I say that? He attacks you with that air of superiority, of course he’s going to get on your nerves. If you criticize with superiority, go to hell.”
Shifting gears, Balotelli defended his former Inter Milan teammate Marco Materazzi, who he believes was often underrated:
“He was stronger than Chiellini. Couldn’t play with the ball? Technically, he was better than me…”
This statement may also be influenced by Balotelli’s past verbal clash with Chiellini, who had accused him of inappropriate behavior while with the national team.
