Why always him? Options dwindling for Mario Balotelli
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He’s one of the great enigmas of the modern game, but it seems Mario Balotelli is running out of options to find a club for next season.
The Liverpool man has been on loan at AC Milan this term, but the Italian has made clear this week he doesn’t want a return to Merseyside, while Reds boss Jurgen Klopp isn’t keen on keeping him either.
Balotelli is favouring a stay with AC, but with just three goals in 19 appearances, it’s no guarantee i Rossoneri will make the deal permanent this summer.
So where will this charismatic and sometimes excellent footballer ply his trade next season?
Reports have emerged suggesting Balotelli is Monaco-bound, and that the forward has already met with the principality club’s President Dmitry Rybolovlev.
Should he remain at AC however, a lot will depend on his end of season form according to new boss Christian Brocchi, who says Balotelli’s situation isn’t as prosperous as in years gone by.
“In the past he knew full well he’d be given other chances, but now he realises there are no more chances,” Brocchi said at his managerial unveiling last week.
It appears the new Milan boss is prepared to offer Balotelli a lifeline however.
“The hope is he can use these last matches to show his quality.”
Brocchi added: “It’s important for me that he shows he truly cares about the Milan jersey. As a coach I always focused on mentality, because even the most talented young players have to be strong mentally.”
“I found Mario very eager and he promised me he’ll give his all in these last few games.”
With Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Christian Benteke all ahead of Balotelli in Klopp’s Anfield pecking order, a return to Anfield is almost certainly out of the question.
So if he doesn’t perform in these make or break matches for Milan, one of Europe’s most talented strikers could find himself on the scrap heap before he’s 26.
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