MARIO BALOTELLI has hit back after footage emerged of him falling in the street during a boozy night out.
The Italian striker was caught on camera enjoying himself with pals over the weekend.
A video of the 33-year-old quickly went viral on social media.
In the clip, Balotelli can be seen lying on the street as a friend attempts to lift him up.
The pair then both fall to the floor before Balotelli gets to his feet and runs after someone whilst laughing and smiling.
Balotelli has now fired back at the response to the video on social media.
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He shared a video to his Instagram story showing himself leaning back in a chair and speaking directly to the camera.
In the video, the former Manchester City forward said: “I wanted to tell you that I saw the video where I fall down with my friends, we roll around, joke, run.
“I don’t see the problem with having a night out with friends, having fun and joking around, without hurting anyone.
“What am I being judged for? Why didn’t you show all the photographs and videos I made with people? I was open to everyone.
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“Instead, after Italy play like that, the news that goes around is that I’m drunk… Come on, let’s think about important things.”
Italy were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland on Saturday as they were dumped out of Euro 2024.
Balotelli’s career stats
Inter Milan, 2007-10 – 86 apps, 28 goals
Man City, 2010-13 – 80 apps, 30 goals
AC Milan, 2013-14 & 2015-16 – 77 apps, 33 goals
Liverpool, 2014-16 – 28 apps, 4 goals
Nice, 2016-19 – 76 apps, 43 goals
Marseille, 2019 – 15 apps, 8 goals
Brescia, 2019-20 – 19 apps, 5 goals
Monza, 2020-21 – 14 apps, 6 goals
Adana Demirspor, 2021-22 & 2023-24 – 51 apps, 26 goals
Sion, 2022-23 – 19 apps, 6 goals
Italy, 2010-18 – 36 caps, 14 goals
Honours – Champions League, Premier League, 3x Serie A, FA Cup, Coppa Italia, Italian Super Cup
Balotelli scored 14 goals in 36 caps for the Azzurri, including three strikes in six appearances at Euro 2012.
He is currently a free agent after leaving Adana Demirspor following the expiry of his contract on June 30.
Having re-joined the Turkish side in September, Balotelli scored seven goals in 16 league appearances last season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
