Source: Daily_Mail
Mario Balotelli: I'm better than Rooney, Fabregas... and I've never heard of Wilshere!
Mario Balotelli has been named the best young player in Europe - and claims he hasn't heard of second-placed Jack Wilshere.[LNB]The troublesome Manchester City striker won the prestigious Golden Boy award voted organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and voted for by journalists across Europe to recognise the most talented player Under 21.[LNB]Highly rated Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea - wanted by Manchester United - is third, but it is runner-up Wilshere who got Balotelli scratching his head.[LNB] Best foot forward: Striker Balotelli (right) lines up for City during the home defeat by Everton[LNB]'What's his name? Wil...? No, I just don't know him, but the next time I play against Arsenal I'll try to be careful,' said the Italy international. 'Maybe I could show him the Golden Boy trophy and remind him that I won.'[LNB]Balotelli clearly hasn't been paying enough to City's rivals, with Wilshere widely regarded as the most promising English player of his generation.[LNB]Hat's entertainment: Balotelli stands out as he arrives to play against Everton on Monday night[LNB]The 18-year-old has been a regular starter this season and earned an England debut as a substitute against Hungary in August, but he missed Arsenal's 3-0 win at City in October because of suspension.[LNB]Everton inflicted a second home defeat on Roberto Mancini's side with a 2-1 win on Monday night, but Balotelli is still expecting big things at Eastlands.[LNB]Despite reiterating his desire to one day play for the team he loves - AC Milan - the £24million summer signing believes he can first win the Barclays Premier League title withCity.[LNB]'For 2011 I want the Premier League -to continue the tradition with Inter that saw me win the last three championships - and the Europa League, a trophy I'm yet to win and that surely we are favourites for.'[LNB]Asked about the incessant calls from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to join him at Milan, Balotelli replied: 'I tell Ibrato continue calling me to Milan, and one day we will fulfil the wish and I can play in the Rossoneri shirt.'[LNB] Ahead of the rest: Wilshere (fourth left) trains with his Arsenal team-mates at London Colney[LNB][LNB][LNB]PREVIOUS GOLDEN BOYS2009[LNB]Alexandre Pato[LNB]2008[LNB]Anderson[LNB]2007[LNB]Sergio Aguero[LNB]2006[LNB]Cesc Fabregas[LNB]2005[LNB]Lionel Messi[LNB]2004[LNB]Wayne Rooney[LNB]2003[LNB]RafaellvanlderlVaart[LNB]Confident as ever, Balotelli seems to have little qualms about how his flirting with Milan will play among theCity fans just months after signing at five-year contract at Eastlands.[LNB]But the Golden Boy award is only fuelling an already inflated ego. Balotelli insists he is better than previous winners such as Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Rafael van der Vaart - and has his eye on being recognised as the best in the world.[LNB]'There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi,' he said of former Golden Boys. 'All the others behind me.[LNB]'I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. Now it's my turn, no?[LNB]'My goal is, in the near future, to turn this award into the Ballon d'Or, without any age limits. Winning the Golden Boy is certainly a good omen.'[LNB] Future is bright at Man City after seeing off Tevez saga, insists Mancini Tevez truce! Star withdraws City transfer request after dramatic day of talksMario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City targetMANCHESTER CITY FC
