Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli agrees with former agent Mino Raiola that he is to blame for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo having so many Ballons d’Or.

Balotelli’s attitude has been called into question on a regular basis down the years and it is those faults which have prevented him from truly fulfilling his potential.

Balotelli told the Muschio Selvaggio podcast of the message he was given by a former representative that passed away in 2022: “Raiola always told me the same thing: If Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have so many Ballon d’Or trophies, it is your fault. He was right, too often I played at 20% of my capabilities.”