Mario Balotelli covers his cleats with newspaper headlines about himself (PHOTO)

Three major shoe companies are reportedly battling to sign Italian soccer star Mario Balotelli to a new shoe contract. In the meantime, Balotelli has gotten creative while deciding whose shoes he'll be wearing.

After playing several games for AC Milan with his boots completely blacked out, Balotelli unveiled new cleats on Monday that were completely covered in newspaper, featuring headlines from moments from his well-documented soccer career.

The most prominent headline is "WHY ALWAYS ME?" which refers to the famous undershirt Balotelli revealed after scoring a goal against Manchester United.

C'è talmente tanta crisi al Milan che Balotelli è costretto a giocare con ste scarpe di cartone #MilanRoma pic.twitter.com/Bag5XaKLe3
— Fabio Manfreda (@FabioManfreda) December 16, 2013

It is believed that Nike, Puma, and adidas are competing to sign the soccer star and, as long as the controversial Super Mario is playing, there will never be a shortage of headline material for these kicks.