FILE: BALOTELLI (O) Balotelli says farewell to Milan, may be heading for Liverpool

Record ID: 704647

  • Title: FILE: BALOTELLI (O) Balotelli says farewell to Milan, may be heading for Liverpool
  • Date: 21st August 2014
  • Summary: COVERCIANO, ITALY (FILE - MAY 20, 2014) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BALOTELLI AT ITALY TRAINING SESSION ROME, ITALY (FILE - JUNE 5, 2014) (REUTERS) BALOTELLI LEAVING HOTEL AND WALKING ON TO ITALY TEAM BUS NATAL, BRAZIL (FILE - JUNE 22, 2014) (REUTERS) BALOTELLI PASSING BALL WITH ITALY TEAM MATES VARIOUS OF BALOTELLI JOGGING WITH TEAM MATES
  • Embargoed: 5th September 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Spain, Italy, United Kingdom
  • City:
  • Country: Italy United Kingdom Spain
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVABFB4CB1MKV0FOMM5N4DQD1185
  • Story Text: Mario Balotelli's rollercoaster career took another twist on Thursday (August 21) when he said goodbye to his AC Milan team mates after training before an expected transfer to Liverpool.
    In a brief statement on their website, the Italian club said: "Mario Balotelli drove out of Milanello at 1330 after saying goodbye to his team-mates and the club's press staff."
    Balotelli's likely move signals a return to the Premier League where he shone, glowered, delighted and dismayed in equal measure during his time with Manchester City from 2011 to 2013.
    The 24-year-old Italian is seen as a natural successor to another colourful and controversial player, disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who was sold to Barcelona in July for a reported fee of 81 million euros ($108 million).
    Suarez, 27, was the Premier League's top scorer last season with 31 goals for Liverpool before being expelled from the World Cup finals and suspended after biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.
    Balotelli signalled the move when he told reporters that Thursday would be his last day in Italy.
    "Today is my last day in Milan and I am going to Liverpool," Sky Italia reported him as saying. His agent Mino Raiola was reported to be in England to complete a reported 20 million euros ($27 million) deal.
    Balotelli joined Manchester City from Inter Milan in August 2010 and, after starring in their 2011 FA Cup final win against Stoke City, played a prominent role in the triumphant Premier League campaign of 2011-12 as they won their first top tier title since 1968.
    After a series of disciplinary problems including a training ground altercation with then-manager Roberto Mancini, he signed for AC Milan in January 2013.
    Balotelli impressed for Italy at Euro 2012 where he scored twice in their semi-final win against Germany and headed Italy's winner against England in their group stage meeting at this year's World Cup.
    ($1 = 0.7531 Euros)
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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