Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has told manager Brendan Rodgers he wants to stay and fight for his place.
Balotelli has struggled for form and goals since signing for the Reds from AC Milan for £16m in the summer. He has not scored in the Premier League.
He has lost his starting place to Raheem Sterling, and Rodgers earlier in the season told Balotelli he had to prove himself.
When asked if Balotelli had spoke to him about staying at Liverpool, Rodgers replied: “In January he is a player we want to still have here, like the other players, and as I said we want as many good players as we can between now and the end of the season.
“He is not one we want to move.
“He does want to fight for his place. I think that is the case with him.
“He does care about doing well for Liverpool and wants to do well, but it just hasn’t gone as he would have wanted.
“This is a club where you will get every opportunity to shine.
“This is a group that is very close-knit, very tight, the spirit is strong and you can work your way into that by working hard and you will get your rewards for that.”
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
