The arrival of Mario Balotelli at Genoa has reignited enthusiasm among fans, who were understandably disheartened by the team’s poor start to the season under Alberto Gilardino’s management. However, this high-profile signing has also sparked internal controversy within the club’s upper echelons.
Club president Alberto Zangrillo has openly expressed his discontent, claiming he was left in the dark about the player’s official presentation to the new audience, which took place yesterday evening in conjunction with the unveiling of the team’s third kit.
Speaking to Il Secolo XIX, Zangrillo stated, “No one informed me. The idea of Balotelli originated from me and Enzo Raiola, his agent, whom I’ve known for a long time. It was my dream, it always has been, and finally, we managed to fulfill it. I went to great lengths for his arrival, but I wasn’t notified of his presence at the event.”
Despite his frustration over being excluded from the presentation, Zangrillo expressed great confidence in Balotelli’s potential contribution to the team: “For me, Mario is a champion who has never managed to fully express himself. I’ve always thought these things about him, but I also know my place.”