Back to the Manchester City Newsfeed

'You don't become king by chasing the queen': Mario Balotelli posts cryptic messages on social media after being snubbed by former manager Roberto Mancini for future Italy call-up

Mario Balotelli has responded cryptically to Roberto Mancini's assertion that his days as an Italy international were over.

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City forward recently posted on social media suggesting he was ready for a recall to the national set up after Italy's squad for the recent qualifiers was beset with issues related to a shortage of strikers. Mancini had been forced into calling up Mateo Retegui, an uncapped forward who had grown up in Argentina.

'There are Italian strikers out there and they are in good shape – trust me,' he had written on Instagram.