Saturday, 23rd August, 2014
A move to Liverpool could be Mario Balotelli's last chance at a truly big club, his agent Mino Raiola has warned.
Balotelli and Raiola have arrived in England at Liverpool's training base, where the Italy international will be put through his medical paces before putting pen to paper on a contract and sealing a €20m move from AC Milan.
Raiola claims he has been talking to Liverpool for three months over signing Balotelli and, following the striker's struggles at AC Milan, feels this is the 24-year-old's last shot at making it at one of Europe's elite clubs.
The agent believes Balotelli will be helped by Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard though, as he will not have to take on the mantle of being a leader at Anfield.
"Is Liverpool his last resort? At the highest level, yes. Either all or nothing", Raiola told Corriere della Sera.
relatedNewsStory
"Mario is 24 years old. He no longer has the excuse of age.
"Mario played well at AC Milan for six or seven months, making a decisive contribution to get into the Champions League.
"But then we saw that he is not ready to be a leader.
"I looked for a team where he can be an important part, but who don't ask him to do the leading.
"Liverpool have Gerrard. Mario will be protected and there he will be at his best.
"Now it's up to him. Another flop is not advisable.
"Not everyone is born to be a leader. And not everyone is born to be a good striker.
"Mario needs to get away from this pressure and feel free to score goals, and just that."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
