The majestic partnership between Mario Balotelli and the English tabloids is over. The Italian striker will return to his home country, leaving Manchester City for AC Milan for a fee that could be worth up to $34 million. This physical altercation with manager Roberto Mancini was the last incident the club could tolerate. From then it was a question of where.

Balotelli was a dichotomy for Man City. He was mercurial and intolerable, both on and off the pitch. He was also crucial to both of the club’s greatest triumphs, earning man of the match honors in the 2011 FA Cup Final and setting up Sergio Aguero’s goal that won the 2011-12 EPL Title. For better or worse, it was always him.

Balo will be missed by all, except those who interacted with him.

[Photo via Getty]

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