Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted that flop striker Mario Balotelli has no future at Anfield and will have to leave the club in order to play first-team football.
Balotelli was not selected as part of the Reds’ squad for the club’s season-opening win over Stoke City last week and is not expected to feature against Bournemouth on Monday night.
According to The Mirror, the Italian international has been frozen out of the first-team setup at Anfield and is being forced out of the club.
The former Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan man is believed to have interest from Lazio and Sampdoria, however it is understood Balotelli is digging his heels in and wants to remain at Liverpool.
When pressed on Balotelli’s situation, Rodgers hinted that the 25-year-old was not in his plans despite signing for the club just a year ago.
“He clearly knows his situation and where he’s at. There’s nothing to add. All of the players understand where they’re at,” Rodgers is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
“My job is to create the best possible environment for the team to succeed. That’s what I’ve always done. So I’m not going to speak about Mario when I can speak about another 25 players.”
Balotelli struggled to make an impact during his debut season with the Reds, scoring just once in 16 Premier League appearances.
SEE ALSO:
Man United left RED FACED as Man City swoop for £28.5m Red Devils target
Man United shot-stopper David de Gea offered MEGA £12m sign-on fee by Real Madrid
Chelsea handed MAJOR BOOST as Everton eye John Stones REPLACEMENT
COMMENTS