Alberto Moreno weighs in on Balotelli debate & comments on striker’s likely future

Posted by

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno has surprisingly spoken out in defence of teammate Mario Balotelli, claiming that he’s a ‘great lad’ and suggesting that he’s been ‘unfairly maligned’ during his time at the club.

His comments directly contradict with a recent report in The Independent, which details the players various wrongdoings during his time at the club, as well as the events that eventually led to his banishment from the first-team squad.

The source states that Balotelli interrupted a team-talk from assistant manager Colin Pascoe, invited strangers into the club’s Melwood training base and even took to scoring deliberate own goals during training sessions – all things that would support Brendan Rodgers decision to tell the 25-year-old to leave (via The Telegraph).

If he does depart in the final two weeks of the summer transfer window, there will likely be very few people who will be sad to see him go. However, one that will is teammate Alberto Moreno, who has been talking about Mario’s future in a recent interview – with some surprising results.

SEE MORE:
Balotelli’s outrageous Melwood antics revealed – Why Rodgers gave up on him finally explained
Opinion: If Liverpool choose to replace Lucas, we shouldn’t sign a holding player
Where are they now? 15 forgotten Liverpool keepers, with Martin Hansen, Padelli, Arphexad, Luzi & more!

“I think he’s unfairly maligned,” Moreno said, in quotes taken by the Liverpool Echo. “He’s a very relaxed guy. He never bothers anyone. He could be a great striker. He’s got the tools.

“Things haven’t gone well for him here. He’s really struggled to score goals. ‘This had never happened to me before,’ he told me. I wish him the best if he ends up leaving because he’s a great lad.”

Of course, Moreno might have some problems of his own before the end of the month, having missed out on selection for the game against Stoke last Sunday – with Joe Gomez selected ahead of him.

The Spaniard has been speculatively linked with a move away from Anfield this summer – with Roma among those linked with a move (via Daily Express) – but it would still be a huge surprise if he were allowed to go before the window slams shut.

More Stories Alberto Moreno Mario Balotelli