Foden didn’t hold back on the then City striker
A video of a 10-year-old Phil Foden criticising ‘hot head’ and former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli for having a ‘bad attitude’ has emerged on social media.
Foden – who has been with City since the age of four – is thought to have been interviewed by a news station on a trip to Italy, where he was asked for his opinion on striker Balotelli.
With the now 21-year-old reportedly 10-years-old when he was asked the question, Balotelli would have joined City the year before, in 2010.
The Italian was consistently criticised during his time in Manchester for his off-field antics, which included him bizarrely setting off fireworks at his own home.
And when Foden was questioned on Balotelli, the youngster responded by taking aim at his questionable nature away from the pitch.
“He’s a good player but he’s got a bad attitude off the pitch,” he said.
The Englishman was backed by his peers, with his comment being met with a chorus of approval.
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While the controversial Balotelli divided opinion, he did register 30 goals and seven assists in 80 appearances for City.
He also won the Premier League, the FA Cup and Community Shield under Roberto Mancini.
However, ex-City boss Mancini has since lamented the ‘disappointing’ downward spiral of the striker’s career, telling RAI Sport that Balotelli not getting close to fulfilling his potential was a sad state of affairs.
He said, as quoted by Football Italia: “I worked with Balotelli when he was young and did really well. He was and still is in terms of technique a great player. Let’s not forget he is 31 years old, so ought to be at his peak.
“Clearly, it was disappointing for all of us who knew him as a person and a player that in the last five or six years he was unable to do what he was capable of doing.”
Balotelli – who currently plays for Adana Demirspor – has scored eight goals and bagged four assists in 20 appearances so far this season.
Related links:
- Mario Balotelli jokes about firework-gate with New Year’s Instagram post
- Fighting Balotelli, losing Cantona’s boots and the Goal GIF Challenge
- Team attempts ‘Balotelli selfie’ celebration, immediately regrets decision
