On the ‘Muschio Selvaggio’ podcast, the Italian recalled a phrase from his late agent Mino Raiola: Messi and Ronaldo filled up on Ballon d’Ors because he, Mario, never performed at his best.
“Ronaldo and Messi have won many Ballon d’Ors because I only play at 20% of my ability. If I played at 100%, I would already have one”, said the ever-controversial Italian striker.
“A wasted talent? Without a doubt I could have done more, but I won everything at club level. I only missed out on the European Championship or the World Cup with the national team”.
A fierce self-criticism from a player who, at 36, is still remembered as one of European football’s most wasted talents.