Balotelli blames Brendan Rodgers' tactics for his poor form
The 25-year-old Italian striker Mario Balotelli, has made a return to AC Milan on a season-long loan. Balotelli signed for Liverpool in 2014 and has failed to impress the Kopites. He blames the Reds’ boss Brendan Rodgers for his poor form, as reported by ESPN FC.
Balotelli made 28 appearances for Liverpool and managed to score just four goals in his first season. The Italy International was criticised for his low work rate but defended himself saying Brendan Rodgers’ tactics that did not suit his style of play, according to ESPN FC. Balotelli accepts his fault for failing with the Reds but he explains the reason why he struggled in a lengthy interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I accept my side of the blame, but Rodgers' tactics were not suited to my characteristics either," Balotelli said. "At the start, I missed a few easy chances, and then I had fewer chances to score, a bit of bad luck and injuries. It was a mess. But I never protested. I accepted the coach's decisions and always behaved professionally. My attitude and lifestyle were absolutely normal at Liverpool. There have not been any problems with my private life this last year." as per the reports on ESPN FC.
Balotelli is known for his antics and bad behaviour off the field. His contract with AC Milan includes Italian air-force style treatment clauses and Milan have laid down some rules and guidelines for the untameable Mario Balotelli.
"I have made a promise to myself, to Milan, to [coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic, to [agent Mino] Raiola and to everybody who cares about me, I'm starting out from scratch.
"I know that I can't get anything wrong anymore. I cannot assume anything and I have to win everything back. I accept any rule and I know I will get a game if I deserve it.”
The 25-year-old striker is ready to begin the “second half” of his career as a “man” and is hoping his loan spell with the Rossoneri will help him get a call up for the Italy squad. Mario Balotelli hasn’t played for the national team since World Cup 2014 after which Antonio Conte took charge of the Azzurri.
He added: "But it's not as if I've forgotten how to play football. I'm back, full of energy, willingness to work and enthusiasm. My game is not over yet. I feel like somebody who has just played the first half of his career, as a boy. Not everything went well and I wasted plenty of opportunities, but the game is not over yet.
"There is still a second half to be played and I'm going to play it as a man. I know that not many believe I can come back again, but it is my duty to try, and I am certain I will succeed.”