Whenever Mario Balotelli's name arises in Italy, talks often include a note of missed chances. That recurring sense of what might have been surfaces, along with shared disappointment for a talent whose clear gifts could have made him a global star under different conditions.

Yet sitting with him reveals the 36-year-old forward has gained notable insight and composure. These qualities appear in his clear views on Italian football's current issues and the fading street game tradition. As he considers advice for his younger self, it feels as though he has accepted his eventful story without dwelling on past expectations.

Balotelli moved to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League to rediscover enjoyment in the sport and fulfill a family wish to play with his brother Enock Barwuah. "To be honest, the thought came up quite suddenly," he explains. "The club president reached out, and our chat showed the plan was appealing. People often assume moves to the region are only about money, but I have no need for that. The setup was solid and competitive, so I grew interested and chose to try it."

Life in the Middle East differs sharply from his earlier stops. "Facilities are strong and the grounds look impressive, yet crowds are thin, which feels quiet," he notes. "Planning could improve across clubs, though progress should come with time." On teaming with his brother, he adds: "It is special. We always hoped to share a pitch one day. He used to wonder how it might happen at Inter, Milan or City, and I said perhaps later at a different level. The idea stayed with us, and now it is real."

Even in new surroundings, Balotelli sees the core troubles in Italian football after three missed World Cups. "The causes seem straightforward," he says. "I favor everyday reasons over technical ones, drawn from daily life in Italy.

"As children we spent endless hours playing. My mother would scold me for staying out past dark, and threats to stay inside the next day followed. Now parks in Brescia and other cities sit empty."

Balotelli continues: "Screens and games have taken over much of that time. Parents' views have shifted too. A seven-year-old today might train two hours every three days. We had set sessions plus hours of park play that doubled as extra work. Talent grew on the streets and fields, where matches against older players tested skills and built experience that helped later. Those games mattered greatly in my development.

"Kids now watch clips and feel like stars online. I felt the same only after performing the moves myself outside. The gap is wide."

Despite concerns, Balotelli, with 36 Azzurri caps and 14 goals, sees hope ahead. "I believe better times will come for future groups," he forecasts. "Not at once, but over the next few cycles. Nations face dips before recovering, as Spain, France and Germany have shown."

On the national side, Roberto Mancini's return stands out, given their shared history. "He sent birthday wishes, and I replied that I could still contribute," Balotelli shares. "His return pleases me, and I wish him well. Blame often falls on coaches, yet the wider setup deserves more scrutiny."

His final Italy match came on 7 September 2018 against Poland, also Mancini's first competitive outing in his initial term. Asked if another call-up is possible, he answers firmly: "If the goals keep coming, yes."

His English chapter, especially three years at Manchester City with a league title and cup win under Mancini, ranks high. "It stays among my top memories," he says. "City was building then, and we helped lay early foundations. That creates a lasting bond."

Looking ahead, Balotelli stays focused. "I feel well," he states. "A minor leg concern is easing with training going smoothly. Heat makes full effort harder, yet pacing helps maintain form. The warmth remains a challenge.

"On the field I will continue while my body allows, since playing brings joy. Off it, I plan to handle my affairs and spend time with my children. After a busy career, calm would suit me."

If he could advise his 16-year-old self, he would say: "Avoid some decisions and heed the right voices at key moments."