Berlusconi urges Balotelli to behave
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has urged Mario Balotelli to continue expressing himself on the pitch.
By FOX SPORTS staff
The 22-year old concluded a controversial spell at Premier League champions Manchester City recently, during which he was featured more often in the papers for his scandalous off-the-field antics than for his goal-scoring contributions.
An impressive return rate of four strikes in three games suggests that Balotelli has gotten his career back on track since moving to AC Milan in January, and Berlusconi expressed his hopes of it staying that way.
"Let's hope it continues like this and he keeps performing well, because while in training and on the field he is above reproach, but when he is out, perhaps as a result of provocation, his behaviour can be exaggerated," he told Radio Lombardia.
"We will keep our affection close and try not to exaggerate too much. However, he has become a phenomenon, a star. He stops the traffic around Milan."
Balotelli's arrival has coincided with a dip in form for star man Stephan El Shaaraway, but Rossoneri CEO Adriano Galliani was confident that the 20-year old would be back to his best soon.
"He [Balotelli] and El Shaarawy play different roles, Balotelli will not press anyone," he stated.
"There is hope El Shaarawy will recover his form, absolutely. There is no concern there."
Balotelli is cup-tied for AC Milan's Champions League Round of 16 clash with Barcelona and will not be featuring for Massimiliano Allegri's team on Wednesday.