Bocchetti: 'Misunderstood on Balotelli'

Posted Saturday, September 24, 2016 by Football-italia.net

Spartak Moscow defender Salvatore Bocchetti insists his accusations towards Mario Balotelli were the result of his poor grasp of Russian.

The centre-back was quoted as telling Russian reporters that Balotelli had "no brains" and "once threw a plate of pasta at Marco Motta."

Tuttomercatoweb called Bocchetti to ask for clarification on these remarkable comments about the Nice striker.

"I speak some Russian, though obviously not well enough considering how my words on Balotelli came out! I said in a joking way that he is a bit crazy, but in a good way. He's a joker, he likes to play around.

"I'm very sorry that the message came across in a different way, as that was absolutely not my intention. As I spoke in Russian, I don't know what the literal translation is of what I said, but my words were clearly said in jest.

"I simply wanted to say Mario was good fun, but I never judged his career. Of course that's not up to me.

"I was asked to tell some anecdotes about our experiences together in the Italy Under-21 side, so without malice I said what happened with the pasta. It was a bit of fun.

"I want to make it very clear that I am fond of Balotelli and my words were misunderstood."

Bocchetti has been in Russia since 2010 and married a local woman, so is very much settled into his new life there.

"At times I miss Italy, at times I don't. I feel Italian, but also a citizen of the world. My family makes me happy, both in Russia and when I return to my homeland."