Video Exclusive: Golden Boy Winner Mario Balotelli Is Controversial Once Again

Mario Balotelli recently received the Tuttosport's Golden Boy trophy for being the best under-21 player during last season.

The Manchester City striker finished ahead of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Balotelli believes he is a worthy winner.

"I am delighted to receive this award," said Balotelli to Tuttosport. "Who should have won this award but me? Two years ago I finished sixth and a year ago fourth."

"It was finally my turn," quoted in the Independent on Tuesday, December 21.

Balotelli has told Skysports that only Lionel Messi is better than him. "There is only one player who is a little stronger than me—Messi. All the others are behind me." (Skysports 2010).

The Italian is determined to become the World's elite player. "I will always give everything because I want to become the best. That is my aim and I am determined to make it happen." (Skysports 2010).

Balotelli has always been in the shadow of controversy, and this was still evident as he dismissed his closest challenger, Wilshere, by stating he did not know who the player was.

"I don't know who Wilshere is but the next time I play against Arsenal I will keep a close eye on him. Perhaps I can show [Wilshere] the Golden Boy trophy and remind him that I won it!" (Independent, 2010).

Many saw this as disrespectful, but the Arsenal midfielder was quick to bury any controversy. Wilshere twitted: "Would just like to say how honoured I am to have got 2nd place in the 'golden boy'! And like to thank everyone who voted for me!

"And would like to congratulate Mario Balotelli on winning it, even if he doesn't know who I am! He is a top player!"

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas backed the young English man by tweeting: “Don't worry (Jack). We know who you are and that's what matters most. You play week in week out and that's the most important, trust me."

Now Balotelli's boss wants the striker to calm his temper and play with a smile on his face. "You need to smile to play football. That is the best thing you can do," said Roberto Mancini.

Balotelli has bags of talent; he is powerful and fast but sometimes shows no interest in some games. Various Manchester City fans have blasted the striker's performance or lack of in games. Some say "It's like playing with ten men from the start."

Mancini added: "Mario Balotelli has everything you need to be one of the best players in the world. But he must improve and he must show it. Only if you play well in every game can you say these things. It depends on him. The Premier League is so different from the Italian league. Mario must understand. If he thinks what he says he must show it in every game." (Goal, 2010).

With a calmer temper and a better attitude, Mario Balotelli could one day be serious competition to Lionel Messi. Here's two videos to remind us of his talents.

Websites references:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/balotelli-wins-golden-boy-trophy-2166067.html

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6607067,00.html

http://www.skysports.com/story/0%2C%2C11679_6606777%2C00%2Ben-USS_01DBC.html

http://blogs.bettor.com/Fabregas-responds-to-Balotellis-snub-of-Wilshire-a49324

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/12/23/2274440/manchester-city-boss-roberto-mancini-tells-mario-balotelli