Balotelli says he’s better than other `Golden Boy’ award winners
December 22nd, 2010 - 6:54 pm ICT by ANI
London, Dec. 22 (ANI): Mario Balotelli has been named the best young player in Europe.
The troublesome Manchester City striker won the prestigious Golden Boy award voted organized by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and voted for by journalists across Europe to recognise the most talented player Under 21.
Balotelli insists he is better than previous winners such as Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Rafael van der Vaart.
“There’s only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi,’ he said of former Golden Boys.
He added: “All the others behind me. I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. Now it’s my turn, no?
“My goal is, in the near future, to turn this award into the Ballon d’Or, without any age limits. Winning the Golden Boy is certainly a good omen,” he said.
According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old has been a regular starter this season and earned an England debut as a substitute against Hungary in August, but he missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win at City in October because of suspension.
Despite reiterating his desire to one day play for the team he loves - AC Milan - the 24 million pounds summer signing believes he can first win the Barclays Premier League title with City.
Confident as ever, Balotelli seems to have little qualms about how his flirting with Milan will play among the City fans just months after signing at five-year contract at Eastlands. (ANI)
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- Neymar crowned Brazilian player of year - Dec 06, 2011
- Golden Foot award lifts Ronaldinho's spirit - Oct 13, 2009
- Balotelli is even better than Torres: Mancini - Aug 23, 2010
- Arsenal shouldn't get carried away by successful stint so far: Fabregas - Oct 26, 2010
- Arsenal to play AC Milan in Champions League knockout stage - Dec 17, 2011
- Adriano awarded Italy's football worst player prize - Dec 14, 2010
- Barca look to narrow Primera Liga gap with Real - Mar 30, 2012
- Fabregas not leaving Gunners this season: Iniesta - Jul 25, 2010
- Man City will be Premier League title contenders in three weeks: Mancini - Aug 14, 2010
- Rooney bags Professional Footballers' Association's Player of the Year award - Apr 26, 2010
Tags: 18 year old, ac milan, award winners, ballon, barclays, barclays premier league, cesc fabregas, city fans, daily mail, day play, golden boys, good omen, manchester city, qualms, rafael van der vaart, striker, talented player, tuttosport, van der vaart, wayne rooney