Balotelli hits out at Rodgers after Liverpool return

Rob Conlon
Mario Balotelli: Striker unimpressed by Brendan Rodgers

Mario Balotelli wants to revive his Liverpool career under Jurgen Klopp after branding his relationship with Brendan Rodgers “disastrous”.

Balotelli has returned to Liverpool after spending last season on loan at former club AC Milan.

The striker joined the Reds in a £16million deal in 2014, but endured a hugely disappointing debut campaign under the tutelage of Rodgers, scoring only once in 16 league appearances.

The Italy international has been linked with a move to Besiktas, but speaking to Corriere Della Sera, Balotelli said he wants to stay at Anfield, and revealed Rodgers is the only club official he has failed to build a relationship with.

“I hope to play in Liverpool. Milan have decided to leave, but for sure Mario will be back there again,” the 25-year-old said.

“I had a fantastic rapport with everyone, including the presidents, [Inter Milan’s] Massimo Moratti and [AC Milan’s] Silvio Berlusconi.

“It was disastrous only with one… Brendan Rodgers.”