Controversial striker Mario Balotelli has reported for the start of pre-season training with Liverpool. This could be a make-or-break season for the troubled, 25-year-old Italian. He spent last season on loan at AC Milan but is now back with Liverpool and trained yesterday at the club’s Melwood base.
The former Manchester City man failed to make Italy’s squad for Euro 2016 and earlier this week he admitted that he has under-achieved in the last couple of seasons. He said: ‘I have not done enough in recent years. I can do much better but it takes time.
‘On a scale of one to 10, I have only reached five. But I will get to 10 eventually because that is my goal.
‘I want to win the Ballon d’Or, although I realise I got stuck at five out of 10 in the last two years when my goal was to get closer to 10. ‘I know people will laugh when I say I want the Ballon d’Or. I have not done everything needed to become the best. But the most important thing is that I have realised my mistakes and it is not too late yet.
‘I don’t want to reach the end of my career thinking that I have not done everything to become the best.’
Alongside him at training were Mamadou Sakho, Lazar Markovic and Luis Alberto plus other players not away on international duty. Sergi Canos also reported to Melwood.
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