AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has posted an emotional message to fans after Italy's World Cup exit. Balotelli has come under fires since the Azzurri's elimination.
"I am Mario Balotelli, I'm 23 years old and I did not choose to be Italian." Balotelli wrote on Instagram. "I wanted it strongly because I was born in Italy and I've always lived in Italy.
"I was hoping for a lot from this World Cup and I am sad, angry and disappointed with myself.
"Yes, maybe I could have scored a goal against Costa Rica, you're right, but then what? What is the problem after that?
"Maybe that's what you all wanted to say? Don't blame it all on me this time because Mario Balotelli have given everything for the national team and has done nothing wrong on a personal level.
"So go and look for another excuse because Mario Balotelli has his conscience in place and is ready to move forward stronger than before, with his head high.
"He is proud to have given everything for his country. Or maybe, as you say, I am not Italian. The Africans would never heap everything on one of their 'brothers.' Never.
"In this sense us blacks, as you call us, are light-years ahead.
"Shame is not that you can miss a goal or run more or less. Shame is those things [I have mentioned]."
