Roberto Mancini Talks About Mario Balotelli's Explosive 2011 Manchester Derby

Roberto Mancini and Mario Balotelli have a relationship that resembles that of a married couple. They have good times and bad. They fight and then kiss and make up afterwards.

The aforementioned sequence was a regular theme during Balotelli's Manchester City career.

One instance where all was good between the two was the 2011 Manchester derby, which was undoubtedly the ultimate high-point of Balotelli's spell at City.

Balotelli was instrumental in City's 6-1 destruction of United, in 2011. Image: PA

He led the line superbly, scoring two goals is City dismantled arch-rivals United 6-1 in their own backyard.

The memorable derby came just days after Balotelli's friends set off fireworks in the bathroom of his house. Mancini still speaks glowingly of Balotelli's performance at Old Trafford, saying he played like "an adult amongst children".

A love/hate relationship for the ages. Image: PA

Speaking to L'Equipe, he said:

"Mario was breathtaking - we all had a great game that will be spoken about for over a hundred years.That day it was as if Mario was great, an adult amongst children. I would have loved to have always seen him like he was at that derby."

"Things come so naturally to him when he wants, and I'm happy when he shows his true value."

Mancini was also a big fan of Balotelli's "Why Always Me?" celebration which came after he slotted home the opener in the first half.

"And when he showed his shirt, I said it was a phenomenon! Who could think to do that? It is phenomenal how things come into his head."

"The day before the match he told me about the house fire. He told me he was sleeping and his friends were there. With Mario you can expect something every day."

"Why Always Me?" Image: PA

Displays like that were few and far between for Balotelli in the Premier League but he has settled in well in Ligue 1 with Nice, where he has scored 30 goals in 46 appearances.

(h/t L'Equipe)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Mario Balotelli

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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