Manchester City's mad-cap striker Mario Balotelli shocks sixth-form college with impromptu walkaround

Manchester City's maverick striker Mario Balotelli stunned students and staff alike on Thursday by driving his white Bentley into the car park of a local college and then, after using the toilet, took an impromptu tour of the campus.

Manchester City mad-cap striker Mario Balotelli shocks sixth-form college with impromptu visit
Maverick: Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli shocked sixth-form college with an impromptu walkaround Credit: Photo: AFP

The Italian walked into the canteen of Xaverian Sixth form college in Rusholme, Manchester and asked nearby students where the toilet was. After going to the toilet he embarked on a meet-and-greet in the staff room where he chatted to teachers. Along with three other friends, he then took a tour of the college grounds, followed by cheering City supporting students.

Student Edward Gasson, 18, was sitting in the canteen with friends when Balotelli walked in. "Balotelli parked his Bentley outside then came in and was asking where the toilets were, then he went to the teacher’s staff room," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"After that he was just walking round campus like he owned the place and everyone was following him around. I’m a City fan so it was amazing to see him but it was a bit ridiculous for him to come here – you would never expect it to happen.”

Another student Josh Keogh, also 18, said: "When he was walking around all the City fans were cheering him. He just seemed proper chilled. It was really weird to see him at our college but pretty amazing."

A spokesperson for Catholic Xaverian College on Lower Park Road - which is located just a mile from City’s former Maine Road ground - confirmed the star had visited the college.

"Xaverian was delighted to receive a surprise visit from Mario, who chatted to some of the students at one of Manchester’s most successful colleges. We weren’t able to enrol him on any courses, but he is welcome back anytime."