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Footage has surfaced of a young Phil Foden criticising former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli for having a “bad attitude”.
Balotelli had an unforgettable three-season spell at the Etihad between 2010 and 2013, during which he helped Manchester City win their maiden Premier League title under Roberto Mancini.
The forward, who was once dubbed “unmanageable” by his former Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho, regularly hit the headlines for his off-field antics.
The Italy international once drove into a women’s prison to “have a look around” and, in another famous incident, set off fireworks in his own home which caused a reported £400,000 worth of damage to his Cheshire mansion.
In the Manchester derby in 2011, he famously unveiled a shirt which read ‘Why Always Me?’ after scoring against United.
Foden, a lifelong supporter of City, was in the club’s academy during Balotelli’s time at the Etihad.
In footage which has now surfaced on social media, a 10-year-old Foden appears less than impressed with the Italian’s behaviour.
When asked for his opinion on Balotelli, Foden says: “He’s a good player but he’s got a bad attitude off the pitch.”
The footage, taken from Italian television show Qui Studio a Voi Stadio, also shows Foden and his Manchester City team-mates singing City’s iconic anthem, ‘Blue Moon’.
Balotelli would leave City for AC Milan in 2013 and is now playing his football at Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
Foden, meanwhile, has developed into a key player for City under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
However, the 21-year-old has also attracted attention for his behaviour off the pitch.
Foden was sent home early from England duty in June along with Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, after breaking coronavirus protocols during a trip to Iceland.
The pair allegedly snuck two girls into their hotel room in Reykjavik after a World Cup qualifier.
Foden was also dropped for a match against Newcastle earlier this season after being pictured on a night out with Jack Grealish after City’s 7-0 thrashing of Leeds United.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter: SaifNerazzurroTopics: Phil Foden, Manchester City, Football, Premier League, Mario Balotelli
Rory O'Callaghan