The Italian international, who signed on Friday and could make his home debut in the Monday night blockbuster against Liverpool, inherits the shirt after coming to an agreement with Greg Cunningham.
“I have worn the number all my football life and wanted to carry on here at City,” declared the Italian who has the number tattooed on his arm and who will face his first English press conference tomorrow afternoon.
Greg was kind enough to swap numbers and I thank him
...Mario Balotelli
The Republic of Ireland youngster has instead moved to number 22 in the squad list – the number left behind by his countryman and former club captain Richard Dunne.
And he had no problem letting Balotelli take over the number 45.
“I had no real attachment to it except that I made my debut wearing it,” he said after signing a new four-year contract.
“I was asked if I minded changing shirt numbers and I didn’t have any problem with that at all.
“I’ve taken on No.22 now, which is Richard Dunne’s old shirt number, so I’ve big boots to fill! Hopefully, I can do the shirt justice as obviously I’m a big admirer of Dunney.
“I’ve not told him but I’ll let him know on the next Ireland trip!”
