'I got Mario's shirt printed- and it got me into trouble'
MEN on Sunday|October 20, 2024
IT'S an iconic moment of Premier League history, Manchester derby narrative and Manchester City folklore.
ALEX JAMES
'I got Mario's shirt printed- and it got me into trouble'

At 0-0 in an early season contest, James Milner cut the ball back and Mario Balotelli placed a shot into the far corner with a nonchalance and a panache that typified a striker who was always the centre of attention.

It was a lovely finish but it wasn't the goal that is still talked about to this day, it was the celebration.

Balotelli, sans smile, stood almost stock still, lifted his sky blue City shirt over his head to display a vest with the words 'Why Always Me' written on.

It was a message cooked up over a coffee and a crafty fag pre match with then City kit man Les Chapman, the man responsible for ensuring Balotelli's statement went global.

Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA MEN ON SUNDAYSe alt
MEN on Sunday

Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?

PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
MEN on Sunday

No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January

CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 29, 2024
MEN on Sunday

Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture

UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
MEN on Sunday

'I want to make history at United'

AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
MEN on Sunday

Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose

NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
MEN on Sunday

United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves

HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
MEN on Sunday

Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'

UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
MEN on Sunday

Council tax needs overdue overhaul

WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
MEN on Sunday

Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025

THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
MEN on Sunday

Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary

THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024