Balotelli considers becoming a coach but has one doubt

Former Italy star Mario Balotelli admits he considers becoming a coach after the end of his playing career: ‘But what if I find another one with my same character?’

Former Serie A and Italy star Balotelli is considering becoming a coach.

Genoa’s Mario Balotelli in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match Parma Calcio vs Genoa CFC at Ennio Tardini stadium in Parma, Italy , 04 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

“I’m thinking about it as I’m getting old,” Balotelli told reporters on Saturday, via Gazzetta.

“But what if I find another one with my same character? What would I do next?”

Balotelli spoke to Italian media from the Milan Airport, where he’ll take off for Saudi Arabia today to sign a contract for Al-Ettifaq.

“It’s a nice project. It’s hot in there, while here it’s cold, so I can’t wait to get there. I’m even stronger than the others,” Balotelli said, smiling.

“There were a few calls from Italy . We tried to negotiate, but I wasn’t up for it. I think football has changed; there are other players, and it’s right to make room for them. I’m 35.”

Balotelli ended the 2024-25 season at Genoa , but it was never really a positive spell for him as the Grifone hired Patrick Vieira just a few weeks after signing the striker in November 2024.

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Mario Balotelli of Genoa looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa and Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 21, 2024 in Genoa , Italy . (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Vieira and Balotelli had already clashed at Nice, leading to Balotelli’s departure from the French club.

“They [Genoa] decided to hire a coach I wasn’t on good terms with. If they hadn’t made this choice, I’d still be there,” Balotelli said.

Speaking about his possible heir in Italian football, Balo replied: “It’s hard to find players in Italy who are the same way I was at 20. I give a lot of responsibility to Pio Esposito; he could do well.”

epa03286781 Italy’s Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring the 2-0 lead during the semi final match of the UEFA EURO 2012 between Germany and Italy in Warsaw, Poland, 28 June 2012. EPA/MARCUS BRANDT UEFA Terms and Conditions apply https://www.epa.eu/downloads/UEFA-EURO2012-TCS.pdf

Lastly, he commented on Italy’s chances to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“I wish the best to Gattuso. He has taken charge of a difficult situation, but he is a determined person who gets all the way to the end when he does things,” Balotelli concluded.