(AFP) Thursday 27 August 2015
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Mario Balotelli claims he has left his childish ways behind and is ready to knuckle down at AC Milan as he bids to fulfil his late father's wish of playing for Italy again. The forward's return to the San Siro on a one-season loan from Liverpool has been met with derision, with pundits and most fans opposed to the deal. Balotelli spectacularly underperformed at Anfield, instead embellishing his reputation as a "liability" - the view of former Reds legend Graeme Souness, among others.
Against his own expectations, the 25-year-old has been given a second chance by Milan. But he knows it could be his last with a top club. Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic and Milan have instigated a special code of conduct for Balotelli, a player who in the past has riled fans and clubs with his off-field antics, outrageous hairstyles and outings to nightclubs.
Balotelli has pledged to comply - and with good reason. His adoptive father Francesco, whose dying wish was to see Balotelli don the Italy shirt again, passed away last month. He is also close to his two-year-old daughter Pia, who is based in Italy. Like a neo-professional who has just signed his first contract, Balotelli has it all to prove again on and off the field.
Balotelli has pledged to comply - and with good reason. His adoptive father Francesco, whose dying wish was to see Balotelli don the Italy shirt again, passed away last month. He is also close to his two-year-old daughter Pia, who is based in Italy. Like a neo-professional who has just signed his first contract, Balotelli has it all to prove again on and off the field.
"I feel like a player who's just finished the first half of his career," Balotelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I played and lived like a kid. It hasn't always gone well, I've wasted a lot of opportunities.
"But the game's not over, I still have a second half to play. Now I'll play it like a man."
A poll on the popular Processo del Lunedi sports programme on Monday showed 62 per cent of supporters opposed his return. Last week, respected pundit and former Milan great Zvonimir Boban called Balotelli's intended move "absurd".
"I know a lot of people don't believe in my comeback," the player said. "It's up to me to prove them wrong.
"Milan have taken a gamble, but I've made a promise to myself and all the people who support me. I'm starting from zero and know I can't mess this one up.
"Milan have taken a gamble, but I've made a promise to myself and all the people who support me. I'm starting from zero and know I can't mess this one up.
"I will follow every rule. I know I'll only be given my chance if I deserve it, but I haven't forgotten how to play football."
Father's last wish
Born to parents of Ghanaian origin, Balotelli was fostered by the Balotellis when he was three years old and eventually adopted. When he scored the goals for Italy that sent them to the UEFA EURO 2012 final, Balotelli rushed over to embrace his adoptive mother Silvia as she wept after the win. But it is his father who is on Balotelli's mind.
Born to parents of Ghanaian origin, Balotelli was fostered by the Balotellis when he was three years old and eventually adopted. When he scored the goals for Italy that sent them to the UEFA EURO 2012 final, Balotelli rushed over to embrace his adoptive mother Silvia as she wept after the win. But it is his father who is on Balotelli's mind.
"Seeing me back in the Azzurri shirt was one of his dreams before he died," he said. "I owe it to him."
Milan host Empoli in their first home game of the season this weekend, but fans hoping to see the Balotelli of old - showing arrogance and reacting to the provocation of fans and rival players - could be disappointed.
"I will no longer respond to any provocation and will show respect to everyone - opponents, referees and rival fans," he said.
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