Balotelli celebrates scoring a goal against Atalanta at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium, 2008.
Balotelli charging for possession of the ball against Germany’s Ashkan Dejagah, Italy v Germany 2009.
Balotelli points to the star emblem on his club shirt after scoring a second goal for his team. Inter Milan v Siena 2009.
Coach Jose Mourinho discussing game tactics with Balotelli, Inter Milan v Palermo 2009.
Balotelli looks on during fixtures against Bologna, 2009.
Balotelli bypassing Atalanta goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola to score his second goal of the match.
Balotelli holding the cup trophy after Inter Milan claim their fifth consecutive Serie A title in 2010.
Balotelli celebrating victory over Bayern Munich with fans in 2010.
Balotelli and fellow Inter Milan teammates attend Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square, 2008.
Italy v Sweden in 2009 at Olympia Stadium, Helsingborg, Sweden.
Balotelli defends Germany’s Andres Breck’s attempt on the ball, Italy v Germany 2009.
Brotherly love – Leonardo Bonucci (left), Balotelli and Antonio Cassano (right).
Inter Milan defeat AS Roma to win the Italian Cup, 2010.
Manchester City manager poses with the newly signed Balotelli at the club’s Carrington training complex in Manchester, England, 2010.
AS Roma’s Simone Perrotta (left) attempts to intercept Balotelli’s charge for the goal.
Inter Milan players Diago Milito (left) and Goran Pandev (right) congratulate Balotelli for scoring another goal during their 2010 match against Bologna.
Balotelli with Marco Matgrazzi during their Champions League match against Rubin Kazan, 2009.
Balotelli practises strikes at a training session, 2009.
Snapshot during training at Cracovia Stadium, Krakow, Poland in 2009.
Scenes from City’s 2011 FA Cup victory over Stoke City – the club’s first trophy since 1976.
Balotelli in Champions League action for City against Napoli
In a 2011 friendly against Vancouver Whitecaps, which City won 1-0.
Balotelli celebrates scoring against Napoli in 2011.
Appearing at the Naples Prosecutor’s Office as a witness in an investigation into money-laundering in his home town in 2011.
Suited and booted ahead of Italy’s Euro 2012 campaign.
Euro 2012: Balotelli lines up for Italy during their campaign.
Balotelli makes an attempt on goal during Italy’s Euro 2012 match against England.
Giving a thumbs-up to the crowd after Italy beat England on penalties to go through to the semi-finals.
Balotelli in action for Italy in the Euro 2012 final against Spain.
Balotelli is inconsolable after Spain beat Italy to become European champions.
Balotelli is congratulated by Spanish players as he goes to collect his Euro 2012 runner-up medal.
Italian coach Cesare Prandelli comforts Balotelli after the Euro 2012 final.
Balotelli meets Italian president Giorgio Napoletano after Italy’s Euro 2012 campaign.
One of the most famous – and infamous – footballers in the world, Balotelli is mobbed by fans wherever he goes.