Manchester City 2010-2011 Away Shirt - Balotelli No.45 (M)

For a fifteen-year-old shirt, it has seen very little wear. The navy is still deep, the sky-blue collar insert is crisp and the embroidered crest is intact. The BALOTELLI 45 printing lies perfectly flat. The only point to note, a minor one: light surface wear on the sky-blue print of the Etihad sponsor (photos 6 and 7), only visible very close up.

Mind the size: this M measures 48 x 70 cm. Compare with the flat measurements below, or check my size guide.

Flat measurements

This Umbro M runs a little small and close to the body: it suits a slim M, or an S who likes some room. Lay flat a shirt that fits you well, measure it the same way and compare.

✦ Authenticity guaranteed for life

Checked by hand in my authentication workshop. If a piece bought from me ever turned out not to be authentic, I refund it in full. No expiry: only original pieces, never modern re-editions.

• Umbro « Official Product » label (photo 4): individual serial number 008416295 printed in red, sewn into the side seam with the care label
• Embroidered eagle crest (photo 3): gold eagle, M.C.F.C. shield, three stars and the Superbia in Proelio motto, dense raised stitching
• Fabric: fine tone-on-tone stripes woven into the front of the knit, visible in raking light
• Cut and finishing: sewn sky-blue collar insert, Umbro neck label, heat-applied Umbro double diamond

Balotelli's first season in Manchester

In summer 2010, Roberto Mancini brought a 20-year-old striker he had launched in Italy over from Inter: Mario Balotelli. He took the number 45 and, at the end of the year, received the Golden Boy, the award for Europe's best young player.

14 May 2011, FA Cup final at Wembley. City beat Stoke 1-0 with a Yaya Touré goal. Balotelli was named man of the match, and the club lifted its first major trophy since 1976.

That same season, City finished third in the Premier League and qualified for the Champions League for the first time.

This navy Umbro away shirt, with the Etihad sponsor, tells the story of the start of the trophy era at Manchester City.

Frequently asked questions