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Balotelli: I'd have had fewer problems if I was white

The Nice striker has made plenty of headlines on and off the field throughout his career and claims those reluctant to forgive him are blinded by race

Mario Balotelli says he would have had “fewer problems” and been “forgiven quicker” for his misdemeanours if he had been white.

The outspoken Italian striker has had an up-and-down career to date, with headlines made on and off the field at Inter, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool and Nice.

His antics have not always helped his cause, with critics quick to condemn him whenever he steps out of line, but Balotelli has also been made a scapegoat at times – particularly in his homeland.