Mario Balotelli Reportedly Commissioned Sculpture of His Goal Pose

AC Milan star and enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli has reportedly commissioned a sculpture of his infamous goal pose from the 2012 European Championships.

Football Italia shared the news on Twitter:

It came when Balotelli netted a thunderous volley to give Italy a 2-0 lead over Germany—prompting the Italian to stop and "celebrate." 

Now it seems as though that moment will be captured and preserved in history forever, with Balotelli teaming up with a local Italian artist to sculpt the celebration—muscles and everything—to express intimidation toward fellow opponents.

Per Football Italia:

“I received the commission, but have never actually met Balotelli, so I am working from photographs,” local artist Livio Scarpella told Il Giornale di Brescianewspaper. “I presented various sketches, but Mario wanted to be immortalised in the pose after a goal: muscles in evidence and an expression to challenge the opponents.

“I imagined him as an athlete from ancient times. The statue will be between the classic and pop style, in platinum and coloured bronze with the eyes made of precious stones.”

Italy would go on to win that game at Euro 2012, but unfortunately lost to Spain in the final of the tournament, with Balotelli proving to many doubters that he certainly had what it takes to be a dominant striker in world football.

Yet it was the celebration that remained the most memorable moment from the match.

Balotelli was famously asked about the celebration following the tournament and why he simply just stood there—shirt off, face completely still, muscles bulging while fans euphorically cheered his spectacular goal and Italy's 2-0 lead. 

His response was pure Balotelli.

"Does a postman celebrate when he delivers a letter?” said Balotelli. “I’m just doing my job. Why should I celebrate?”

[When asked about receiving a yellow card from the celebration]: "The referee saw my body and became jealous, so he booked me." 

No one is surprised that Balotelli would commission such an unusual thing, given his rich history of bizarre and nonsense decisions throughout his career.

Yet if there was ever going to be a man that didn't need to be anymore intimidating, it is Balotelli. From the threats of killing those who were racist toward him to threatening Inter Milan fans at the recent Milan derby (Daily Telegraph), Balotelli is more than scary enough for most people.

Just ask Roberto Mancini and those at the Manchester City training ground how frightening and sensitive the enigmatic Italian can truly be.

Now he will have a sculpture to prove it. 

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