Balotelli reveals what Klopp said before his Liverpool exit

Balotelli reveals what Klopp said before his Liverpool exit

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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