Tag: goals

Mancini reveals why Balotelli left the Etihad

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed a picture of what happened behind the scenes during his burst-up with Mario Balotelli that eventually led to the exit of the Italian.


“In a training session, I said to players not to make stupid tackles on Gael [Clichy] because he was just coming back from injury. And then, Mario made a strong tackle on him. I was furious. I grabbed him by the collar wanting to push him but he is so strong physically,” Mancini said to L’Equipe.

Mario Balotelli suffers poor public acceptance due to his off the field activities, particularly when he moved to England. His spat with Mancini eventually led to his exit from the City squad.

“He came to conflict with some teammates because of his behavior, and he wanted to return to Italy. I was disappointed that he wanted to leave because he should have done so much more in an extraordinary championship,” the former Etihad manager added. Continue reading Mancini reveals why Balotelli left the Etihad

James Milner has revealed that the prospect of playing regular first-team football

James Milner has revealed that the prospect of playing regular first-team football was one of the main reasons why he joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City. The England international had been at the centre of a tug of war between Liverpool and Arsenal.

Other clubs like United and Chelsea were also showing tentative interest in the player who has won all the domestic trophies on offer. However, he chose Liverpool and will be wearing the iconic number seven shirt at the club. This move also presence Milner with a lot of responsibilities since he is expected to be named as the captain after the departure of Steven Gerrard.

Milner has long wish to play as a central midfielder but he has not been given the opportunities to do so at his previous clubs. This could change at Liverpool since it is believed that Brendan Rodgers sees him as an ideal attacking midfielder. The incredible work rate of the former Aston Villa man will help Liverpool continue to play the intense pressing game that they have developed under Rodgers. Still just under 30, it was surprising that City chose to let him go. Milner feels that he still has more than just a couple of years of top-level football left in him. Continue reading James Milner has revealed that the prospect of playing regular first-team football