Balotelli: “No dreams, just goals!”
Inter striker Mario Balotelli has revealed his ambitions for the season - he’s aiming to lift the Champions League trophy and earn himself a call-up from Marcello Lippi.
The Nerazzurri star has raised eyebrows over the last year, but insists he’s ready to prove himself to both Jose Mourinho at Inter and the Italian national team.
However, Balotelli is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and he insists he only has objectives rather than dreams.
“I would like to win the Champions League with Inter and play for La Nazionale,” Balotelli told Calcio 2000.
“I don’t think that Italy will overlook the younger players when there is quality. However, you never know; it’s up to the coach in the end.
“I know Lippi said he would be choosing players between 18-40 years old but it all depends on how I play as well.
When the ambitious player was asked if he could one day be world player of the year, he said: “It’s no dream, it’s an objective.”
Balotelli has recently been given full Italian citizenship, making him eligible for a call up to the national side.
The striker is one of Italy’s hottest prospects and a good option for Lippi for the fast-approaching world cup qualifiers. (Goal)
Balotelli: “Mou is the best!”
Inter Milan starlet Mario Balotelli is enjoying working for new coach Jose Mourinho.
“He’s different from all other coaches, he cares very much about personal relationships with players, this is very beautiful. You can approach him and talk about anything, not necessarily football,” said the teenage striker.
Balotelli also revealed how he’s learning from senior strikers Julio Cruz and Hernan Crespo.
“Julio Cruz pulled me aside last season and told me to study both his and Crespo’s movement,” said Balotelli. “It’s a weakness of my game and even today I watch and learn from them.” (tf)
Balotelli ready to shine!
Mario Balotelli spoke on Inter Channel after reporting for pre-season training.
“I’m less excited than a year ago because it was the first time then. I just have to focus on improving and never being satisfied,” admitted Mario, who signed a new contract last month.
“Mourinho said I have to improve every day? This was already one of my objectives, I’m pleased it’s the same for him. He’s definitely a good coach. He has spoken with us and I can say that he has strong ideas and clear objectives.
“Do I want to score at least 15 goals? Yes, it would be a good target, but we’ll see what I manage to do on the pitch. My role? I can even play at full-back - the most important thing for me is to play.” (ofciws)
Mario Balotelli extends his contract!
Mario Barwuah Balotelli (Super Mario) has today extended his contract until 2011.
He will now earn £1m per season.
The striker blasted his way to recognition in the peninsula with a Coppa Italia quarter-final double against Juventus.
Balotelli had been on a youth salary, earning just £60,000 per year.
There had been rumours that Chelsea were considering a swoop, but it now seems that Balotelli’s future lies in Inter!
Balotelli remain Inter’s
Inter’s teen sensation Mario Balotelli is ready to sign a contract extension with the Beneamata and has set some ambitious targets.
At the age of 17, Balotelli stole the headlines with a crucial brace in last term’s Coppa Italia quarter-final triumph over Juventus.
And the gifted youngster played an increasingly important role in Roberto Mancini’s attack, often beating David Suazo and Hernan Crespo to a starting shirt.
Despite insisting that he could leave and showing little attachment to the Nerazzurri shirt while negotiating his first full senior contract, Balotelli does now seem ready to commit to the Italian champions.
“There is an agreement for a contract renewal,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.
“I want to thank Mancini for giving me the chance to play, but Jose Mourinho is a great Coach and he won’t take age into consideration.
“My main objective is the Champions League and I also can’t wait to represent Italy.
“I have suffered a great injustice in that I was born in Italy and have always lived here, but I have to wait until I am 18 to get a passport.”
The son of Ghanaian immigrants, Balotelli was born in Palermo before being entrusted to Italian parents by the courts.
In spite of living in the peninsula all his life, Super Mario has missed out on playing for the Azzurri at the Olympic Games as he doesn’t turn 18 until August 12 and can’t obtain the necessary citizenship documents. (C4)
After many rumors of last days, seem in the end surpassed every obstacle about the contract renewal of Mario Balotelli with Inter. TMW has so thought to ask to his agent Corrado Balotelli, some information. “The agreement with Inter has been reached, there isn’t the sign still, but will arrive in few days. Lack still some little details. Is not true that my brother will be sent on loan, at least would be sold in case not found an agreement for continue together, but fortunately the agreement has been reached”.
About Mourinho: Mario has still not know Mourinho, the first meeting will arrive in Brunico, when will start the retreat”. (tmw)