Jake Humphrey endured an awkward moment while working with Mario Balotelli on BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League final.
Humphrey was presenting pre-match build-up of a big match for the last time on BT Sport, with the decision taken to part ways announced in May. He was joined by the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott, Cesc Fabregas and Steven Gerrard to preview the big game between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Before kick-off, Humphrey asked the pundits for a prediction. Balotelli has played for both Man City and Inter during his career, but did not provide any insight, simply replying: "No comment."
The blunt reply prompted an awkward response from Humphrey, who was clearly taken aback. He said: "We paid thousands of pounds for this guy, and he says nothing..."
The exchange was just one of a few cringe-worthy moments between the long-time presenter and the mercurial striker. Humphrey also joked that he’d asked Balotelli to join his side, Norwich City, over the summer, only to not get a response from the Italian, who last played for Sion in Switzerland.
Thankfully for Humphrey, his other guests were a bit more forthcoming when answering his questions. “I’m gonna go for Man City,” Fabregas said. “I think they have more experience. They should have more fire in their belly, and I’m going to go for them.”
Lescott added: “I’m hoping City do it. They’ve dominated possession over the recent months, but sometimes you need to be lucky. I’d rather be lucky than good, so hopefully they get it over the line tonight.”
Balotelli did offer some insight when asked to talk about Inter Milan’s tactical set-up and striker Lautaro Martinez. “The Italian game is more defensive. If I was Inter, I would let City play and try to counter attack,” he said.
“I love the fact that he (Martinez) battles, every ball he has is like a battle, but at the same time he has very good technique. He reminds me a little bit of [Carlos] Tevez, but he is a huge quality player. He can play with any player on his side. He can play even by himself, I think.”
Writing after the news of his departure from BT Sport – which will become TNT Sports later this summer – Humphrey wrote: “After 10 wonderful years, I am stepping back from BT.
“As a football fan, hosting Premier League matches, FA Cup games and European Finals has meant the world to me. It has been my dream job.
“I’ve loved being a very small part of a world class production team. I also feel blessed to have shared the screen with legends of the game and incredible broadcasters, who have become friends. Thank you all.”
