Mario Balotelli will definitely not be returning to Italy any time soon, according to his agent…
Mario Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola has ruled out any possibility of his client returning to Italy in the January transfer window, instead insisting that Balotelli’s imminent future remains with Liverpool.
The 24-year-old striker signed for Liverpool in a £16m deal from AC Milan in the summer but has struggled to settle at Anfield, and is yet to find the net in the Premier League.
He has come in for considerable criticism for his underwhelming performances to date, prompting suggestions of a move back to Serie A, where he also enjoyed a moderately successful spell with Inter Milan.
Roberto Mancini’s appointment as Inter Milan manager had led to rumours of a reunion between Balotelli and his former Inter and Manchester City boss at the San Siro.
But those suggestions have been quickly rubbished by Raiola, who told reporters: “It’s impossible. Not because of Mancini, but for other reasons which are not worth talking about. Not even Napoli. Mario does not return to Italy.”
Balotelli is under contract at Liverpool until 2018, and is expected to be fit for Wednesday Champions League match with Ludogorets, after missing Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace through injury.