Liverpool misfit Mario Balotelli can still be a world-class striker – Andrea Pirlo
Italian midfield icon insists: 'Mario has no more time to waste...but we shouldn’t forget what a special player he is'
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MARIO BALOTELLI can still become one of the “best strikers in the world,” insists Italian icon Andrea Pirlo.
Liverpool misfit Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan two year ago, with then-manager Brendan Rodgers predicting the £16million arrival would cause him “trouble”.
He did.
Within a couple of months Balotelli's name was plastered all over the front pages after dozens of fireworks were let off during an infamous 2011 party in his £3million rented mansion.
And after just 16 Premier League appearances, 26 shots and one goal, Balotelli returned to Milan on loan for the entire 2015/16 campaign.
Back in Serie A, the 25-year-old struggled to improve his touch in front of goal, netting just once in 20 outings in the Italian top flight.
For New York City midfielder Pirlo, however, Balotelli remains a “special player” and should not be dismissed just yet.
“He frustrates me,” Pirlo said. "But I do have so much affection for Mario.
“He is infectious to be around. When I used to see him walk into training for Italy, he would have this big smile on his face – and I would just burst out laughing – and start wondering what is he thinking, what is he up to?
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“Mario should not just be a character the media write about for good stories. We shouldn’t forget what a special player he is.
“I have played with some of the best strikers, and I can tell you Mario has all the attributes to be one of the best strikers in the world.
“By now I thought that is where he would be, that is where he should be. He has no more time to waste.”
Balotelli is confident of having a revival on Merseyside next season under German coach Jurgen Klopp despite there being even more competition for places since he was last there.
He said: “I hope to play at Liverpool next season. Milan decided to leave me. There will certainly not be another Mario’s back again moment there.”
Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings, Divock Origi, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino could all be ahead of Balotelli in Klopp’s pecking order next term.
Furthermore, the Anfield outfit have signed Sadio Mane for £30m from Southampton this summer and the Senegal international can operate out wide or in a central striking role.