Balotelli vows to continue to fight racism
Mario Balotelli insists he feels a responsibility to speak out about racism in football after being the subject of monkey chants while playing for Nice in Ligue 1.
The striker accused Bastia supporters of racially abusing him during a game in January, writing on Instagram: "Is it normal that Bastia supporters make monkey noises for the whole game and nobody from the 'discipline commission' says anything?"
Balotelli also experienced racism while playing for AC Milan in Serie A and he said he spoke out about the Bastia incident to represent those who do not have a public profile but experience similar abuse.
"The problem is that it is a problem that is bigger than football," Balotelli told RMC.
"During the match I could not say anything. But that is not fair, it is not fair for others who couldn't say anything.
"So I said something for them. I have a nice life, I could say something. I want to speak about it."
Balotelli also accepted the competitiveness of the league came as a shock in his first experience of the division, having previously spent his career playing in England and Italy.
"I thought that Ligue 1 would be easier, [but] it is very physical and tactical. The Italian league is better than the French league in terms of organisation and refereeing. It's weird the French league is not up there with the others, we need to find the problems because it is very important."
Balotelli was a surprise signing for Nice having previously played for European giants including Inter, Liverpool, AC Milan, Manchester City, but the 26-year-old is impressed with his young team-mates.
"Everything is good. I feel really good here," Balotelli said. "We have exceptional fans. They truly encourage us each match. I want to thank them.
"This is a young team. I am young but they are even younger. Since I have arrived here I have seen so many good players. Talented, young - I think the average age here at Nice is 22.
"There are four players who really impress me: Jean Seri, Ricardo Pereira, Wylan Cyprien and Alassane Plea. I think they have enormous potential and will become big players. I think they'll stay at least one more year. We were first in the league for a long time. We proved that we can do it. I am not surprised. The squad is very strong."
