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3rd June 2018
09:03pm BST

"It's complicated, I lived it when I was younger, and today I do not know if it's true racism or jealousy ... It hurts, it's time for Italy to become like France and England. As I wrote, it's time to wake up", he said.
Leonardo Bonucci is the current captain of the Italy side, who are now without Gigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi. Balotelli has been in the frame to become vice-captain, as the coaching staff consider him to have matured greatly during his four years outside the national set-up. He was asked about these rumours, and responded by saying:
"To be a captain would not change that much for me, I'm in this National team to score goals. I can be an example without the captain's armband, for the others, the African immigrants, it would be a strong signal."
When asked about why he was left out of the national squad for the past four years, Balotelli acknowledged that he was not in the right physical condition to play under Antonio Conte, but was less convinced by Gian Piero Ventura's reasoning.
"Ventura? We talked but I did not understand his explanations, but I respect his choices. Why did not he call me up? I have an idea, but I keep it to myself."
It is not a coincidence that his return to the side has come after Roberto Mancini's appointment as manager. Mancini coached Balotelli at Manchester City and has a strong relationship with the 27-year-old forward.Explore more on these topics: