Soccer

Mario Balotelli: I don’t want a Liverpool return

Italian striker is playing for his AC Milan future with six games left to prove himself

AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli is hopeful that the club will extend his stay next season. Photograph: EPA
AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli is hopeful that the club will extend his stay next season. Photograph: EPA
Mon Apr 18 2016 - 10:47

Mario Balotelli says he does not want to return to Liverpool at the end of the season, expressing his desire to stay at Milan beyond his current loan spell amid unconfirmed reports linking him with a move to Monaco.

Balotelli played his part in Milan’s 1-0 victory over Sampdoria on Sunday but has managed just three goals in 19 appearances for the Rossoneri, since returning to club on loan at the start of the season.

Liverpool paid £16m for Balotelli in August 2014 but in his one season at Anfield managed just four goals in 28 matches, including only one in the Premier League, and Jurgen Klopp is keen to offload the Italian striker, who is eager to make his second spell at Milan permanent.

“When it comes to my future I want to stay with Milan because I wasn’t happy at Liverpool and I don’t want to return there. And plus, Milan has the money [TO KEEP ME],” he told Italian media. “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.”

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Meanwhile, according to InsportPlus, Balotelli met with Monaco’s president, Dmitry Rybolovlev, and is considering a transfer to Ligue 1, should a permanent move to Milan not materialise.

Guardian services