El Shaarawy optimistic for Balotelli partnership
AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy has faith that he will be able to develop a lethal striking partnership with Mario Balotelli.
By FOX SPORTS staff
The former Manchester City forward arrived at the San Siro in the summer, notching up four goals in as many Serie A games since his return home. Despite the warm welcome Balotelli has received from Italian football fans, local media were not impressed by his partnership with El Shaarawy.
Speaking to Milan Channel, the 20-year old urged fans and critics to give the both of them time to gel and get used to each other's style of play.
"The criticism we are getting seems a bit too much," El Shaarawy pointed out.
"We've only played two games together and we need time to settle. I know that we need to improve in some areas of our game, but it is not true that we can't work together."
In what has been a breakthrough season for the former Genoa man, El Shaarawy recently signed a new deal with AC Milan. The Italian international hoped to stay injury-free for the rest of the campaign and fire the Rossoneri to glory.
"I have had problems with my knees for two or three seasons now,” El Shaaraway revealed.
"I can handle the problem, but every now and then it causes me annoyance."
AC Milan welcome Lazio for their Serie A clash this Saturday.