Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli may be set for an exit from the club this summer but former Italian national teammate Andrea Pirlo believes the striker still has what it takes to play at the highest level.
Pirlo underlined that Balotelli has age on his side and that he could still have an illustrious career ahead of him
The Italian footballing legend also revealed that he does not think Balotelli should consider moving to China at this stage in his career.
Pirlo was quoted as FourFourTwo as saying: “He has played for so many big clubs, it’s easy to forget he’s only 25.
“He still has time to make it at the very top. [But] He needs to pick his next club carefully.
“I have read things about him and China. With all respect to their league, Mario should not be going there yet.
“If he has two or three good seasons at his next club, he will still only be 28 and could join one of the top clubs in Europe.”
Pirlo did however, also state that it is now up to Balotelli to prove himself as he has the talent to succeed but just needs to put his mind to it.
“I don’t have any advice for him anymore, he knows the qualities that he has. From this point, it’s up to Mario,” he added.
Balotelli is not however, expected to remain at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp put the Italian international striker up for sale.
The 25-year-old striker joined the Reds in the 2014-15 season, but has only scored one Premier League goal in 16 Premier League games.
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