 On 7 August 2007, five days before his 17th birthday, Balotelli received his first senior international call-up for Ghana from their coach Claude Le Roy for a friendly against Senegal at the New Den stadium in London, England, on 21 August 2007.He declined the offer, citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible.He also expressed his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.