Turin, Aug. 11 (LaPresse) – Mario Balotelli turns 35 tomorrow and asks for only one gift: “Health, for me and my loved ones.” Super Mario opens up in a long interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing everything from his personal life to his career. "What's missing from my career? In general, I could have put in more effort. I still have regrets about the national team: I could have played more,“ reflects Balotelli, and when the journalist points out his 14 goals, like Rivera, he replies, ”Let's leave it at that. If I had had more chances, maybe I could have gotten closer to Riva. Someone didn't want me in the national team… But that's water under the bridge.“ ”Do I have a dream? To play for Real Madrid… In reality? I'm looking for a club that will give me confidence. I want to play for another two or three years. Then I'll join my brother Enock, who now plays for Vado in the amateur league. Anyway, I promised him that I'll end my career playing alongside him.“ On Italian football today, he replies: ”How do I see the new Serie A? I don't watch TV, I don't keep up to date,“ he says bluntly. ”On the pitch, I see lots of athletes who are 1.90 meters tall, but no one jumps over anyone anymore. That's also because now, as soon as the kids do a nutmeg, they get punished." “Am I an Inter or Milan fan? As a boy, I supported the Nerazzurri because my idol was Ronaldo the Phenomenon, but I've never hidden my fondness for the Rossoneri. But being a fan is something else.” On being more aware as a father, he concludes: “I was never allowed to be fully present, and over time I realized how wonderful this responsibility is,” he comments, and regarding how much he gets to see his children, he adds: “It's better with Pia because Raffaella is more available, but with Lion it's more difficult. Until certain laws change…”
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