The Italian forward has thus far failed to live up to the promise he showed as a youngster, and his recent comments regarding Liverpool are not likely to win over any of the Anfield faithful.
Though he may only be 25, many consider Mario Balotelli’s best days to be behind him. The former Inter Milan and Manchester City forward was once considered one of the top young prospects in the world, but after a terrible goal output in the past few seasons and the ever-present off-field controversies, his career is threatening to fizzle out anticlimactically.
Recently, Balotelli spoke out about his his difficult spell at Anfield, claiming he was never happy at parent club Liverpool and reaffirming his desire to stay in his native Italy with current club AC Milan.
“What I want is certainly to stay at Milan,” the 25-year-old told Italian outlet Mediaset (via Football Italia). “I was not happy at Liverpool and I do not want to go back there.
“I’ve been doing well in my last two games, there are another six for me to prove myself.
“I feel in good shape physically at last and am relaxed. Besides, Milan have the money!”
Liverpool do not need Balotelli
Liverpool bought Balotelli from AC Milan in 2014 for 16 million pounds after he had a relatively successful season for the Rossoneri, scoring 18 goals in all competitions for them. However, he failed to replicate that form at Anfield and struggled to establish himself, ending the season with a paltry tally of four goals in 28 appearances for the club.
Unfortunately for him, Balotelli hasn’t found his scoring touch even after returning to Milan. The striker has scored just four goals this season and was even reprimanded by recently sacked Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. AC Milan owner and president Silvio Berlusconi has a soft spot for Balotelli though and Balotelli may yet achieve his objective of signing on for the Serie A outfit once again.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have the likes of Christian Benteke, Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings to call upon — all more prolific forwards than Balotelli in recent years.
