Italian attacker and former Inter player Mario Balotelli discussed his rapport with Jose Mourinho and Roma legend Francesco Totti.
In an interview on Muschio Selvaggio, Balotelli recounted his days of being managed by Mourinho and the time Francesco Totti kicked him from behind in the Coppa Italia final in 2010.
“Mourinho? He is very nice. I had a somewhat particular relationship, a good relationship. We have two personalities that are difficult to manage, we often went clashed, but it was a paternal confrontation, between father and son.”
“Once we had a fight on the bus: I asked the driver to let me off, got back in the car and went home. Then Inter lost, and a mess happened. I’ve done a lot of shit in my life, but I’ve hid from it. The Treble? Mourinho made the difference, he brings out the best in you, he makes you angry and you react and put all your adrenaline out on the pitch.”
“Francesco Totti? I respect him very much, I love him. There had been a match in previous years, in which I had silenced the Roma fans, but I don’t think he was angry with me for that reason.”
“In the Italian Cup final he was angry with the coach who hadn’t let him play from the start, and for this reason he was nervous. At the end of the match I also wrote to him: “Why did you kick me?” His reply was: “Come on, I didn’t even hit you properly.” Francesco made the history of Italian football.”