The harsh reality is there was no other option

Once tipped to be one of the best forwards in the world and someone who tore up Euro 2012, Balotelli had become a laughing stock.

Despite his playful demeanour, that cannot be something the forward would have wanted and his will to win and be the best is as strong as any other player.

Wasting his talent and seeing his career pass him by is not an option Balotelli is willing to entertain and his situation this January could well have provided a bit of a shock for him as harsh realities began to hit home.