Milan striker feels victimised after World Cup exit.
The agent of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has opened the door for his client to leave the club this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The 23-year-old, who has been strongly linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, is seemingly unhappy with life in Italy following the reaction to his country’s surprise early exit from this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cesare Prandelli has already resigned as manager of the Italian national side after they were dumped out at the group stage of the competition, and many of the team’s players have come under immense criticism from the media and supporters, with Balotelli in particular coming under scrutiny.
Milan vice-president Barbara Berlusconi has already hinted that the former Manchester City striker is ‘replaceable’, and his agent Mino Raiola feels the club’s attitude is harsh when they should be offering more support to the troubled player.
“Mario is sad, desperate. Only (Adriano) Galliani has defended him while the FIGC (Italian football federation) remains absolutely silent,” Raiola said.
“I appreciate Galliani’s comments, but now I want to respond to Barbara Berlusconi. If, for her, Mario is replaceable, she should set up a meeting in the club’s headquarters and we will find a solution, just as I am used to doing.”
Balotelli has a long history of disciplinary problems in his career so far, and it had previously been suggested that, despite his talent, Milan would be ready to listen to offers for him this summer, though Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger then denied an interest in bringing the player to the Emirates Stadium.
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