Mario Balotelli to immortalize himself in stone

Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has asked for a full-size statue of himself for his new house in Brescia. The Italian international, who was fined on Tuesday the €10,000 for making an “offensive gesture” towards Inter Milan supporters at the hotly contested Milan derby on last Sunday, has contacted a local artist to make the statue, to “immortalize” him.

The artist in question, Livio Scarpella, told Il Giornale di Brescia, “I have received the commission, but I’ve never met Balotelli personally so I am relying on his pictures.”

He went on to add:

“I presented several drawings but Mario wanted to be immortalised in a pose that shows him having scored a goal, highlighting his muscles and with an expression of defiance.

“I have imagined him as an athlete from ancient times and the statue will be a mix of classical and pop style in platinum and coloured bronze with the eyes made of stones.”

Italian media reports suggests the statue wanted by Mario is in the famous pose after scoring against Germany at the last Euros and will be kept among other modern-day art items in the striker’s new home, designed by Roberto Falco.

Balotelli is having an amazing start to his Milan career, scoring four goals in his first three games though he did not find back of the net in Sunday’s derby with Inter.