Mario Balotelli reduced to tears on bench after being substituted vs Napoli

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Mario Balotelli seemed inconsolable after being substituted during AC Milan's 3-1 defeat at Napoli on Saturday.

AC Milan player Mario Balotelli cries as he sits on the bench during a game against Napoli
AC Milan player Mario Balotelli cries as he sits on the bench during a game against Napoli

Photo: Reuters

The Italy international was substituted for Giampaolo Pazzini in the 73rd minute and upon taking a seat on the bench, Balotelli began to cry.

After wiping away the tears, he hid his face in his jacket while the TV camera focused in on him.

When he removed the jacket, the camera caught a flood of tears streaming down his face.

However, Milan coach Clarence Seedorf insisted Balotelli's crying was nothing unusual and described the moment as "beautiful".

Speaking to Mediaset Premium, the Dutchman said: "Mario is human. These are things that happen many times in football and sport in general.

"I'd say it was actually beautiful, but I'd prefer to talk about the game."

It has been an an overwhelming week for the 23-year-old, as DNA tests proved he is a father to Pia, the daughter of his ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico.

Football Italia noted that Ficco is from Naples and lives in the city, so it's possible Balotelli saw his daughter for the first time this weekend.


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