Mario Balotelli orders life-sized statue of himself
Mario Balotelli has ordered a life-sized statue to “immortalise” himself in his new home.
The Italian striker, who recently returned to Italy following his January transfer to AC Milan, has reportedly contacted a local artist to make the statue.
Artist Livio Scarpella told Il Giornale di Brescia: "I have received the commission, but I've never met Balotelli so I am working from photos."
He added: "I presented several drawings but Mario wanted to be immortalised in a pose that shows him having scored a goal, highlighting his muscles and with an expression of defiance.
"I have imagined him as an athlete from ancient times and the statue will be a mix of classical and pop style in platinum and coloured bronze with the eyes made of stones."
Italian media have suggested that the statue will recreate the pose Balotelli showed off after scoring against Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final.