EPL 2016/17: Mario Balotelli says he 'likes' Arsenal; confirms he'll never go back to Liverpool
Former Liverpool striker, Mario Balotelli has made it clear that he would never go back to the Merseyside club if he ever decides to return to the Premier League. On the other hand, Balotelli described his fondness for London club, Arsenal FC.
Speaking in an interview with Chinese publication, Xinhua, Balotelli spoke about the possibilities of returning to England and his thoughts on his former club, Liverpool.
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"[If I go back to England] for sure not Liverpool," said Balotelli. "Because I found myself [performing] very bad in Liverpool. I said the team was good and the fans are amazing, but I would never go back to Liverpool.
"The first one I think in England is Manchester City, and the second team I always like is Arsenal. That doesn't mean I'll go to play there. I just like them."
It would be interesting to see if the Italian would play for the Gunners in the future but for now, Balotelli seems settled at his French club, Nice FC. Nice are currently on top of the Ligue 1 table, four points ahead of reigning champions, Paris Saint-Germain, and one point behind AS Monaco.
The 26-year-old striker was signed to Liverpool by the club’s former manager, Brendan Rodgers back in 2014. Balotelli was expected to be a replacement for Luis Suarez, who moved Barcelona FC that summer, but the Italian failed to make any kind of impression for the Reds and was soon loaned out to AC Milan the following season.
After returning from his loan spell at Italy, Balotelli moved to Nice on a free transfer.
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The Italian seems to have found his feet again at Nice and has scored 7 goals in 10 appearances for the French club so far this season. During his time in England, Mario Balotelli was involved many controversial incidents. Balotelli’s talent was overshadowed by his terrible personality and bad temper.
The only bright spot during his time in England was when he set up Sergio Aguero for the title-winning goal against Queens Park Rangers to lift the Premier League title back in 2012. Balotelli will be hoping to continue his good run of form as him team will be facing Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
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