Mario Balotelli, Instagram

Mario Balotelli has courted controversy after posting a picture of himself holding a shotgun at the camera on Instagram, with the accompanying message reading: "Big kiss to all the haters."

The Italy striker has been the subject of criticism over his performances at the World Cup, as well as his displays this season for AC Milan.

According to a report by Mark Ogden in The Guardian, former Italy manager Cesare Prandelli said "picking Balotelli was my mistake" as he resigned in the aftermath of the Azzurri's disappointing tournament.

Balotelli's response to criticism on Instagram was swiftly deleted—but, of course, not before the screenshots had been taken and captured for posterity.

Instagram

[Instagram, h/t 101 Great Goals for the screenshot]