Ex civil war soldier’s life story inspires Mario Balotelli to fund school

London - Mario Balotelli has shown a more caring and passionate side by donating a huge part of his income to help build a school in the village of a former boy soldier of the Sudan civil war.

The Italian striker’s friendship with John Kon Kelei grew after meeting the 29-year-old ex rebel in Milan last summer, and heard about his dreadful life story.

They decided to name part of the Cuey Machar school the ‘Mario Balotelli Wing’ after the Manchester City star’s generous funding.

Kelei was kidnapped by rebels at the age of four and incredibly was forced to fight in his country’s civil war, but he managed to escape the horror, studied at school and eventually became a graduate in law.

His amazing story, which was captured in a film, was watched by Balotelli who was so touched that he immediately decided to dig deep to help finance the building of the classrooms.

Now, the footballer is getting regular updates of how the pupils are coping and will help further.

“Kon told me that he was forced by rebels to use a rifle which was bigger and heavier than he was,” the Daily Star quoted Balotelli as saying.

“He wasn’t even able to hold the rifle properly.

“But he managed to run away and save himself.

“He could have built a new life but he wanted to help his country. So I have helped him,” he added.