Rossoblu boss hints at interest in Reds striker
Bologna manager Roberto Donadoni has hinted that the Rossoblu are interested in bringing Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli back to Serie A.
It would mark the 26-year-old Italy international’s third return to Italy, having joined AC Milan from Manchester City in 2013, before returning to the club on loan last season, scoring one goal, from Liverpool.
Donadoni refused to get caught up too much in speculation about Balotelli’s future, although, he admitted it would be wrong to reject that the club would not be interested in a player who has proven, in the past, how much quality he possesses.
“Of course I would be okay with Balotelli joining the club,” Donadoni admitted. “What is discussed behind closed doors and what is said publicly must remain behind closed doors.
“All I’ll say is that such a move is still far-fetched but I don’t hide the fact that big names are coveted by everyone and Mario is one of those players.”
Balotelli has been linked with numerous Serie A clubs, including Crotone, Chievo and Sampdoria, but seemingly none of Italy’s biggest clubs are willing to take a punt on the striker, whose career has somewhat nosedived since being allowed to leave City.
The striker has already played for Inter Milan and AC Milan, while Juventus and AS Roma would not consider a move for a player whose attitude has been questionable for much of his career.
Ajax are reportedly keen on the Italian, but it’s understood that Balotelli wants a return to his native Italy.
However, should Bologna pip the Dutch club to the Italian striker, Donadoni fired an indirect warning to the striker, adding: “The key thing is that anyone who comes here has to have the correct attitude and work rate for our team. If they don’t, then we can’t afford to have him.
“But if the player is available and shows that willingness to work, then he is certainly welcome here.”
Balotelli has yet to feature in a competitive fixture for Liverpool this season.
