Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been granted compassionate leave by the club after reports emerged of the death of his foster father, Francesco.
Balotelli, who joined Liverpool last summer, missed the first day of pre-season training with his Liverpool team-mates yesterday. The Reds have confirmed the 24-year-old’s leave, according to ITV.
He has taken to social media to express gratitude for the support he received during a difficult time.
"Thanks everyone for the support. I really wanna thanks everybody. My family thanks all of you too”, posted the Italian via Twitter on Sunday.
Liverpool will embark on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia next week and Balotelli will be expected to be part of the Reds’ pre-season plans despite the death of his father and his compassionate leave.
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Balotelli was born to Ghanaian immigrants in Sicily before moving to Brescia at the age of two.
He grew up under the foster care of Francesco and Silvia Balotelli, who adopted him when he was three years old, in Brescia.
