Mario Balotelli once scored a goal that perfectly exemplified his sheer genius on a football pitch.

The Italian has enjoyed a unique career, that's for sure.

One that has seen him grace a plethora of elite footballing institutions thanks to his undoubtable talent as one of modern football's most naturally gifted.

But for all his God-given ability, Balotelli would be the first to admit that he could have gone so much further in his career.

One Premier League, one Champions League, three Scudetto and a handful of domestic cups is hardly poor going in terms of silverware collected.

In fact, it's pretty darn impressive. However, when it comes to Balotelli, it was clear to the world from the very moment he burst onto the scene that the lad was special - maybe even a Ballon d'Or winner in the making.

So, if you peel back the team honours and assess how his time went with each club, the fact he left most either disgraced or under a cloud of failure really demonstrates the untapped potential the Palermo-born maverick represents.

He could have been special, but instead now finds himself playing for Adana Demirspor - a club that finished ninth in the Turkish Super Lig last season - at the prime age of 31.

But, hey, we guess that's just Mario for you.

Mario Balotelli opens the scoring for Man City at Old Trafford in 2011

A goal to rule them all

If there's one goal that perfectly defines the calibre of player Balotelli could have become, it was in his AC Milan days when playing Bologna.

Brandishing his iconic '45' jersey, Balotelli picked the ball up way out on the right-flank, roughly 40-yards from the opposition net.

He took one touch to control the ball, another to casually flick it out of his feet, and then unleashed the most ridiculously casual long range thunderbolt you will ever lay eyes on.

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It's clearly a genius at work and a goal many can only dream of scoring, but Balotelli isn't even bothered.

He simply turns around and puts his hands on his hips as if it was just another day in the office.

Video: The strike

Signed, sealed and delivered. First class, from Mr. Balotelli.

What could have been, ey? We'd go as far as suggesting that Balotelli is probably - and we hate to say this - the biggest waste of talent of his era.

The fact he's never won a Golden Boot in any of the leagues he's played in quite literally boggles the mind.

But at least he's provided us with some great moments over the years and for that, Mario, we thank you.

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