TMW exclusive
Stefano Mazzoldi he is the man who physically prepared Mario Balotelli for the great return to Serie A. It was the athletic trainer from the Equipe Training Lab studio in Brescia who followed SuperMario with a personalized training program since last June. A path aimed at achieving the specific objective of becoming a protagonist again in top Italian football. “But certainly not like an extra”, the trainer himself tells us. “I started with his brother Enock, then Mario also arrived. Both had decided to change trainers and, through mutual friends, this relationship was created first of work and then of friendship”.
From June to almost November: how Mario has seen in these five months of training?
“Motivated and determined, motivated like never before. In recent months Mario has never given up, he has always trained 4-5 times a week despite not having the certainty of a call. This for me means having a mentality, Balotelli has always remained on the piece and that made the difference. It’s obvious that he can’t have the match pace, but he’s in good shape and he told me that during the medical visits with Genoa they found him to be fine, in line with the parameters.”
Humanly what a man he found?
“I didn’t know him before, I found him convinced and always focused on his objectives. Mario has a big heart, he is very grateful at work, a relationship of mutual trust has been created with him. I can only speak well of him, and not I certainly say this out of pandering.”
What pushed him not to give up?
“Balotelli’s goal has always been to return to Serie A, but not to be an extra. Mario wants to be a protagonist, he knows he can still be one with his maturity and his qualities.”
You spoke to each other after signing with Genoa?
“Of course, I heard him and complimented him. We achieved the first objective, but I will only feel satisfied and fulfilled when I see him do well in Serie A. Balotelli doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone, he knows well to be strong, but he must give continuity to his work and know how to react to everyone. There will always be difficulties, but Mario will know how to face them. Go Balo, I believe in you.”