Former Italy striker Mario Balotelli has returned to his Ghanaian roots to throw his full support behind the Black Stars at the FIFA World Cup, declaring himself one of the team's biggest fans while singling out Antoine Semenyo as the player he most enjoys watching.
Born Mario Barwuah to Ghanaian immigrant parents in Italy, the former Manchester City forward paid an emotional visit to Ghana's team hotel, accompanied by his younger brother Enock Barwuah, where he met players and officials, including former Black Stars captain and vice-chairman of the team's Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, in a symbolic show of solidarity with the country of his heritage.
Although Balotelli famously turned down the chance to represent Ghana in 2007, choosing instead to play for Italy at Under-21 and senior level during a decade-long international career, the 35-year-old insists his emotional bond with Ghana has never faded.
Dressed in a Black Stars jersey during his visit, he made it clear where his loyalties now lie, with Italy absent from the tournament.
"There's no Italy, so I support Ghana. Obviously, I'm from Ghana, and I'm proud of Ghana," Balotelli said during an appearance on the Match Day Live show by the Men in Blazers Media Network at Spruce Street Harbour Park in Philadelphia ahead of Ghana's group-stage clash with Croatia.
Balotelli believes this generation of Black Stars has the quality to make a significant impact, even if he still regards Ghana's celebrated 2010 squad as the country's finest World Cup side.
"They're good. I think 2010 was the best Ghana team, but this squad is good as well," he said before revealing the player who has caught his eye.
"I love players like Antoine Semenyo and the way he plays. I see a great player. He's young, but he plays with experience."
Balotelli’s endorsement carries the weight of a famous player who knows what it takes to perform on football's biggest stage, having represented Italy at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and enjoyed a glittering club career that included spells with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester City, Liverpool and Olympique Marseille, as well as winning league titles in England and Italy and lifting the UEFA Champions League.
Reflecting on the privilege of wearing a national shirt at a World Cup, Balotelli described it as the greatest experience in a footballer's career, albeit one that brings enormous responsibility and expectation.
With Ghana now preparing for a Round of 32 showdown against Colombia in Kansas City on July 4, Carlos Queiroz's side can count on support from an unlikely but influential admirer—a football icon whose Ghanaian roots remain deeply ingrained despite the international path his career ultimately took.
Now with UAE side Al-Ittifaq, Balotelli also welcomed the increasingly competitive nature of the modern World Cup, expressing his delight at seeing emerging football nations stand toe-to-toe with the traditional heavyweights. In his view, the narrowing gap reflects the rapid global development of the game and offers further proof that established powers can no longer take success for granted.
(Courtesy: KGL Group, with support from GoldBod)
