Why Always Me?: The Biography of Mario Balotelli by Frank Worrall is the story of an enigma. Balotelli is as controversial as he is talented, which makes him world-class in both category.
Worrall knows how to get the job done, bringing in dozens of sources to tell the whole story. I have to say I have never seen anything about Balotelli’s childhood before and that is thoroughly dissected here. It helps you understand why Balotelli is so complex and so complicated on and off the pitch.
Delving into his psychology is important to understanding such a player, someone so talented and unpredictable at the same time. You hear about his time with Inter Milan, the Italian National Team, and Manchester City. You hear about his love of AC Milan and the reasons why he eventually ended up there even though the book was finished before his move back to Italy.
We hear a lot about people that surrounded and influenced him. His teammates were all over the place; some supported and some condemned him. But no one doubted his potential. Roberto Mancini was arguably the most influential person in Mario’s life, someone who was a both father figure and a mentor. No one believed in or pushed “Super Mario” more than Mancini. It is unclear whether he even got all he could out of Balotelli.
Potential is a dangerous thing, something you will never shake. The chance to be the best in the world is something that Mario has to live with, but it is his opportunity and responsibility alone.
The book was stellar, which is expected when you see something from a journalist with experience like Worrall. It was world-class in every way.
