Has Mario Balotelli pushed his public image to the limit?

Has Mario
Balotelli’s most recent bust up with Roberto Mancini signaled the end of his
Manchester City career? 

It’s safe
to say that English football has seen a handful of characters over the years,
though very few surpass the Italian international in terms of his antics on and
off the field. Manager, Roberto Mancini has repeatedly rushed to Balotelli’s
defense often overlooking repeated incidents of questionable behavior, largely
due to displays of brilliance on the pitch acting as standalone sports PR for
the player.

However,
with fluctuating form it could be suggested that cracks are now forming in
their unique relationship, casting doubt on any future with Manchester City and
his ally Mancini.

Balotelli’s rise to fame

Balotelli
has always been a talent on the field and after an unsuccessful trial with
Barcelona; he eventually joined Inter Milan (Internazionale) working under
current manager Roberto Mancini. 

Balotelli
began to master his craft here catching the eye of fans and the Italian media,
though the departure of Mancini saw his attitude decline rapidly.

His then
boss Jose Mourinho was publically critical of the player on several occasions
maybe showing early signs of a need for reputation
management.  The relationship struggled to improve and when Mancini
was appointed manager of Manchester City, Balotelli followed in August 2010.

The move to Manchester

In his
first few seasons at Manchester City, Balotelli’s accolades included the FA
Cup, the English Premier League title and over 30 goals often earning him the
title ‘Super Mario’.

In contrast
his off-field behaviour has potentially caused more of a stir including a few
high profile media relations blunders. These include accidentally swearing
during an FA Cup Final post match interview broadcast to over 10 million people
worldwide.

In addition
after winning the Golden Boy Award he stated “What’s his name? Wil-something? I
don’t know him?”  in reference to England international and Arsenal
midfielder Jack Wilshere, the eventual runner up.  A string of other
highly publicized events include him being stopped by a policeman who queried
why he was carrying 5,000 pounds cash.  Balotelli simply replied “Because
I’m rich.”

Pushing his luck

Mancini has
continued to brush these incidents under the carpet, though fallouts with
teammates have not been ignored. Balotelli’s most recent incident in training
has been described as the end of the road for the player.

The event
in question saw him lunge into a late tackle with teammate Scott Sinclair,
angering Mancini who ordered Balotelli to leave the training field. The player
refused leading Mancini to physically remove him before members of the coaching
staff intervened. Several animated images surfaced adding another chapter to
the Balotelli’s crisis management archive of activities. 

Despite the
incident Mancini has stated in a recent interview “I will give him another one
hundred chances if it is possible” without confirming if he will remain after
the summer transfer window. 

Balotelli
has shared a love-hate relationship with English football often bringing a
smile to the faces of fans through his performances, antics and the trademark
blonde Mohawk, but is it now time for his ‘Mentor’ Mancini to
let him go? 

Article written by football fanatic Glen Johns on behalf of award-winning London PR agency and crisis management experts PHA Media. Glen really, really wishes he could also get away with the kinds of antics only a footballer can.