Enigmatic former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli believes the Blues will lift the FA Cup on Saturday — as long as they do not get complacent.
The controversial Italian featured as a late substitute in City’s defeat of Watford at the start of their run to the final before joining AC Milan in January.
And the 22-year-old, who starred in City’s 2011 FA Cup triumph, revealed he will be supporting his former team mates when they take on Wigan Athletic at Wembley.
“Of course, City should win it, but football can be strange,” he told the Sunday Mirror.
“I learned an English saying when I played for City — ‘the magic of the cup’. It means anything can happen.
“The FA Cup final has become a very big game for Manchester City, even though it was not the trophy we were all talking about in the dressing room at the start of season.
“The club will always be in my heart. I might not be playing in the final this time, but I will be watching my friends as a fan.”
Balotelli scored just once in 14 Premier League games for City this season before being sold to Milan.
After seeing the Blues lose their Premier League crown to rivals Manchester United however, Balotelli expects City to buy big this summer.
And he also revealed he has no regrets about moving to the San Siro, where he has scored nine goals in ten Serie A games for his new club.
“Roberto will do everything he needs this summer and Manchester City will win back the title next season,” he said.
“City will sign two or three of the best players in the world — and we will not see a repeat of this season.
“Everybody wanted to retain the league and also do well in Europe. But those two things did not work out — so now the FA Cup means everything.
“I have no regrets. I know that I am at a team with a lot of tradition that is also capable of winning big trophies.
“I am still a Manchester City fan, though.”
Image courtesy of Talksport, via YouTube, with thanks.
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