Italian football star Mario Balotelli took an uncontrollable tumble in the street just moments after Italy’s disappointing exit from the Euro 2024.
In the footage, the former Manchester City striker was spotted lying on the road, with another man coming to his aid.
However, as Balotelli struggled to get back on his feet, he ended up pulling the Good Samaritan down with him.
Despite the embarrassing fall, the 33-year-old was seen walking away from the incident with a smile on his face.
The fall occurred after Italy’s defeat to Switzerland in Euro 2024, a match that Balotelli watched in Lignano Pineta, near Venice, on Saturday, June 29.
Known for his on-field antics and larger-than-life personality, Balotelli’s stumble in the street provided a moment of comic relief after the disappointment of Italy’s Euro 2024 exit.
Fans’ reaction on Mario Balotelli’s fall
One of the commenters wrote: “After Italy lost”
Another one said: “it was an obvious fall”.
One implied Balotelli was on drug writing: “drugs”.
Meanwhile, some of the commenters had his back stating that there is no crime in having a night out with friends.
One said: “Nothing happened to him, he’s enjoying himself we all do that”.
Another added: “The man was enjoying his life”
The third one said: “he’s having the time of his life, why are you trying to paint him like a bad picture”
Mario Balotelli fires back at critics
After receiving backlash on social media, Balotelli has responded with a video clip. In the clip, he is seen reclining in a chair and addressing the camera directly.
The ex-Manchester City striker said: “I just wanted to say that I saw the video where I fall with my friends, we roll around, joke, run.”
“I fail to see the issue with having a night out with friends, having a good time, and messing around, as long as nobody is harmed.”
“What exactly am I being criticized for? Why weren’t all the pictures and videos I took with people showcased? I was welcoming to everyone.”
“Instead, after Italy plays like that, the news that goes around is that I’m drunk… Come on, let’s think about important things.”
Mario Balotelli and his off-field behavior
Mario Balotelli is a talented Italian footballer who has had a tumultuous career marked by both highs and lows.
Balotelli first gained attention for his skills on the pitch, playing for top clubs like Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan, and Nice.
He was known for his speed, strength, and scoring ability, with an impressive goal-scoring record throughout his career.
However, Balotelli’s off-field antics often overshadowed his talent. He developed a reputation for being hot-headed, impulsive, and undisciplined, leading to numerous controversies and disciplinary issues.
Balotelli was often fined, suspended, or criticized for his behavior, which ranged from confrontations with teammates and coaches to inappropriate comments and actions on social media.
Despite his undeniable talent, Balotelli struggled to find consistency and stability in his career.
He frequently changed clubs, struggling to settle in and establish himself as a key player.
His lack of focus and professionalism hindered his progress and limited his potential, preventing him from reaching the heights that many believed he was capable of achieving.
The 33-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Adana Demirspor following the expiry of his contract on June 30.
Having re-joined the Turkish side in September, Balotelli scored seven goals in 16 league appearances last season.
