Former AC Milan goalkeeper Dida believes mercurial Italian striker Mario Balotelli has shown more maturity in recent months.
After a difficult season at Liverpool, Balotelli joined AC Milan on loan last summer in the hope of resurrecting his career in familiar climes, but things have not gone according to plan for the mercurial Italian.
While a groin injury in the middle of the season has not helped his cause, Balotelli has shown underwhelming form when he has been on the pitch this term, and has scored just one Serie A goal in 18 appearances for the Rossoneri.
However, the forward has found support from former AC Milan goalkeeper Dida, who still remembers Balotelli was a much sought-after player while the Brazilian was at the San Siro and feels the striker has shown little more maturity in recent months, by maintaining a low profile off the pitch.
Dida told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Mario is a great player.
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“During my last year at Milan, he played for Inter. Everyone wanted him.
“He has always had quality and he isn’t in the papers as he doesn’t get into trouble, so I would say that he has matured.”
While Balotelli said earlier this month that he is in no mood to return to Liverpool, AC Milan also seem unwilling to offer him a permanent contract and club CEO Adriano Galliani has urged the striker to improve his performances in the last few games of the season.
