Mario Balotelli claims he “doesn’t know” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, as the pair only had a single meeting about the striker’s future this summer.
The Italy international joined Liverpool amid much fanfare in 2014, but struggled to gain a place in the starting XI under Jurgen Klopp, netting just one Premier League goal.
He similarly failed in a season-long loan stint at boyhood club AC Milan last term, scoring once in Serie A.
In the close-season, Balotelli returned to Merseyside briefly, before completing a deadline-day transfer to Ligue 1 side Nice.
Over the summer, Klopp insisted that the centre-forward had impressed with “world-class” performances in training, but the competition for a place in the Reds side was simply too fierce.
Indeed, Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi are seemingly battling for a single spot in the team now.
In an interview with Sky Sport Italia (via Gianluca Di Marzio), Balotelli has spoken of his relationship – or lack thereof – with the German coach.
However, the Nice No.9 intriguingly also suggests that the proverbial door is open for a return to Liverpool: “Klopp? He doesn’t know me and I don’t know him.
“I was at Liverpool for a month and a half and I spoke with him once.
“He told me: ‘I don’t mind if you stay, but you are not first-choice. For me
it’s better if you leave. Play and get on well and then I’m OK with you
coming back. Because I like you as a player.’
“Then I said thank you goodbye we will go our separate ways.”
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