Quotes by Mario Balotelli

"To play in atmospheres that are intense is when I play my best football."

"I would be ready to become a dad if I was with the right person. I'd like a boy, though. Because they're in charge."

"I want to be the strongest player in the world and score a lot of goals. To do that, I have to improve in every area."

"I don't like golf. It's not for me, it's too quiet."

"I believe I am more intelligent than the average person."

"For me, my mother is everything."

"I turn to someone, I'm not sure, to God I think, but I never ask for anything. I would never pray to win a title; it makes no sense. I've never understood those who pray before a match. I simply give thanks for what I have received."

"People who know me, love me. People who don't know me love me too... or they hate me."

"Sometimes in football you deserve to win but lose. Other times you deserve to lose or draw but you win. That is the game, and it's why I've always said you should never try to predict anything in football, especially in Europe."

"Even if I don't always behave as I should, this still doesn't explain why so many people have something against me. But you know how it is. A lot of people vent themselves by coming to the stadium to yell at me. I hope it's not racism. I tell myself that it's not racism; it's because I'm tough, and I repeat this to myself."

"I don't follow politics; it doesn't interest me. So why should I vote?"

"I am proud to be Italian because I was born in Italy, I grew up in Italy, I went to school in Italy and I have worked in Italy. I'm Italian."

"Many stories are invented about me - too many stories; almost everyone uses me, and I'd say about 0.01 percent of the gossip is true."

"When I decide to score, I score. I know I am strong, but I believe it is not enough yet. I can kick fine, dribble very well, but I still have to improve."

"There are two metaphors for Mario the person and not Mario the footballer. I think I am a man, but I don't believe I need to say it. But I could also be Peter Pan because I do things my own way and I am free. So, yes, maybe I should say that I am Peter Pan - although I am much more of a man."

"It surprises me how much children like me, you know? If they look at me as an example, I have a big responsibility."

"I am different - if you can find another like me, then I will buy you dinner!"

"My public image is absolutely not a fair reflection of who I am."

"Inside me I'm Ghanaian, and I'm proud to be African. But of course I'm Italian. I was born in Italy. I've never been to Africa in my life, but I will go one day."

"When I lose my temper it's because I decide to. If I do something it's because I want to do it."