Up close with Mario

PICTURE: AFP

Mario Balotelli, who had bling on him every where, would easily be mistaken as a gangsta rapper, if not for the tabloids.

That was the image the Italian striker portrayed as he strode in for this morning’s (Singapore time) pre-match press conference with coach Cesare Prandelli and teammate Andrea Barzagli.

Throughout the 25-minute press conference, he seemed a little impatient and, occasionally, spontaneous. At times, he would be scratching his arms and face, or looking at his watch.

And in those 25 minutes, he showed that he is indeed an entertainer, whether it’s on or off the field.