Adana Demirspor striker Mario Balotelli admits he no longer watches Italy's games.

Balotelli feels he was deliberately frozen out of Azzurri selection.

“I no longer watch Italy games. It hurts too much not to be there," he admitted to TVPlay.

“At times, I hated people working for the national team, but honestly, I can't watch their games because I'd like to be involved. I owe a lot to (Roberto) Mancini, but he owes a lot to me too. Italy-North Macedonia gave me the biggest pain. I don't think I ever recovered from that sorrow.

“I took responsibility for not qualifying for the World Cup (in 2022) even if I had not even played because some 'senators' didn't have the courage to put themselves out there.

“After the stage, Mancini told me that a call-up for me was nearly guaranteed, but after that, he no longer picked up the phone and didn't give me an explanation. Perhaps some players did not want Balotelli, surely it was not his choice, I am 100% sure. Somebody in the upper floors or among the players no longer wanted me.

“I thought about international retirement after that, but in terms of quality, there isn't somebody else like me. I will never give up for Italy," added the 33-year-old striker.

“I would accept not to be a starter because I know nobody could make the difference more than me, even when coming off the bench. Spalletti is an ideal coach, but he doesn't have much time to pass on his ideas."