Former Manchester City star Mario Balotelli has always been a lover of the limelight and his latest daring look, which has seen him get a number of face tattoos, should once again get people talking.
The controversial forward was recently snubbed for a call-up to the Italian national team by Roberto Mancini - a decision which he may well be regretting. In Balotelli's absence, the European Champions suffered World Cup heartbreak on Thursday as North Macedonia snatched a late winner to crush the Azzurri's dreams of heading to Qatar.
Instead of representing his nation during the international break, the 31-year-old appears to have focused his energy into creating an edgy new look. The striker, who is currently playing for Turkish Super Lig side Adana Demirspor, has revealed images showing multiple face tattoos.
Taking to Instagram, Balotelli unveiled his new ink-work, which includes a cross and the words 'Black power' by his right eye, a feather design by his left ear and his initials and number on his left cheek. The Italian's new look is the latest bold move in a career which has seen him often hog the headlines.
Balotelli was recalled to the Italy national team fold for the first time since 2018 back in January. However, despite being included within that provisional squad for Italy's crucial World Cup play-off games, he didn't make Mancini's final cut.
The pair famously worked together at Inter Milan and Manchester City, where they won the club's maiden Premier League title in the most dramatic fashion. However, their relationship has been far from plain-sailing.
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The Italian duo famously clashed after Balotelli attempted a disrespectful piece of skill against LA Galaxy in a 2011 pre-season friendly. The pair were also
embroiled in a high-profile training ground bust-upback in 2013.
Despite this, Mancini and Balotelli appeared to put their differences aside after the striker's recent call-up. Opening up on his decision to recall Balotelli in January after three years away, Mancini said: “Am I playing a desperate card?
"No, and then if that desperation is the same as that before the European Championship, then that’s fine. But that’s not the situation here.
“Over the next few days we’ll try different things and evaluate players that have not been called up for a while, like Mario, and others that are new. On a technical level, he was always good, that’s not up for debate, we just need to see how he is physically.
“Then he has to fit into a group that has been working really well. He doesn’t need to promise me anything.
"He’s been called up just as others have been called up. We were curious to see him after so long, but we have to see how it goes. I think he’s happy to be here. We’ll see if he will be able to give us a hand.”
Evidently, Balotelli didn't do enough to warrant a place in Mancini's World Cup play-off squad - a decision the manager may well be rueing. As for the former Manchester City maverick, his daring face tattoos should ensure he continues to stand out from the crowd.
