AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has hailed his January signing, Mario Balotelli, saying that he could become one of the world's most lethal forwards if he continues to focus on his football.
The 22-year-old, never far from controversy, has been in clinical form following his €22 million transfer from Manchester City, scoring three goals in his first two games in Serie A and his coach was quick to praise him.
“I am satisfied with what Mario is giving us on the pitch. But, he has the possibility of becoming a world-class player – if he devotes himself to football," he told reporters.
The 45-year-old added that the former Man City forward's potential brilliance is not a foregone conclusion, but expressed his hope that Balotelli will make the most of the raw talent he has.
“I hope he takes my advice," Allegri continued.
The former Cagliari trainer also insisted he would be at the club to manage his star man next season, despite there being some minor doubts the boss' future.
"“I have never had any doubts that I'll be here next season,” Allegri added.
“I have an agreement with the president and Galliani – this team has been rebuilt in a short space of time so we have to carry on with this project as it is.”
Milan are currently fifth in Serie A and are chasing a Champions League place for next seaosn.
'Balotelli can become world class' - Allegri
By Johnny Burrow | GOAL.com – Fri, Feb 15, 2013 12:20 AM SGT
View Photo'Balotelli can become world class' - Allegri
Editors' Picks
Former England striker Cole to leave West Ham
LONDON (Reuters) - Former England striker Carlton Cole is leaving West Ham United after seven seasons at the club. Cole, 29, played 237 times and scored 57 goals for the Hammers but netted only two goals in 29 appearances in the 2012-13 season. He was overshadowed by on-loan striker Andy Carroll who West Ham are hoping to sign from Liverpool on a permanent basis for a club record fee of around 15 million pounds. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce told the club's website (www.whufc.co.uk):
Mourinho, Ronaldo get two-match bans for Cup final reds
MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were handed two-match bans in the King's Cup after they were sent off in last week's final at the Bernabeu, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Wednesday. Mourinho was dismissed for vigorously disputing a refereeing decision in the 75th minute of Friday's 2-1 final defeat by Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese will not serve his punishment in next season's Spanish cup competition as he agreed to leave the club by mutual
Alonso suggests Red Bull sound like sore losers
By Alan Baldwin MONACO (Reuters) - Red Bull sound like sore losers for complaining about the Formula One tyres, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso suggested on Wednesday. The Spaniard, winner in China in April and Barcelona this month, told reporters at the Monaco Grand Prix that it was up to the champions to explain their comments but offered a theory of his own anyway. "We know that Barcelona was a good race for us and not so good for some of our competitors," he said. "Some of these competitors claim
Adriano's versatility helps secure new Barca contract
MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona utility player Adriano Correia has agreed a four-year contract extension until 2017, the La Liga champions said in a statement on Wednesday. The Brazilian, who was signed from Sevilla in 2010, has a buy-out clause of 90 million euros. "He's become known as one of the most versatile players on Barcelona's roster," Barca said. "He's performed well in the centre back position, as well as the right and left full back positions, and as an attacking midfielder. ...
Beating Mourinho 'extra motivation' for Barca's Xavi
Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has admitted that beating Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been an extra motivating factor for his side over the past three years.
Madrid will still be competitive without Mourinho - Xavi
The Barcelona midfielder says the controversial coach gave his side extra motivation but stressed that they will still fight just as hard for titles once he leaves
Latest videos
Confederation Cup cities announced
SNTV Videos - Fri, Nov 9, 2012 6:53 PM SGTConfederation Cup cities announced [AMBIENT]
SNTV Videos - Fri, Nov 9, 2012 6:51 PM SGTUlsan win from behind at Bunyodkor [AMBIENT]
SNTV Videos - Thu, Oct 25, 2012 1:50 AM SGTUlsan win from behind at Bunyodkor
SNTV Videos - Thu, Oct 25, 2012 1:47 AM SGTKuwait SC beat Al Ettifaq to reach AFC Cup final [AMBIENT]
SNTV Videos - Wed, Oct 24, 2012 6:39 AM SGTKuwait SC beat Al Ettifaq to reach AFC Cup final
SNTV Videos - Wed, Oct 24, 2012 6:36 AM SGTArbil beat Chonburi to reach AFC Cup final [AMBIENT]
SNTV Videos - Wed, Oct 24, 2012 1:33 AM SGTArbil beat Chonburi to reach AFC Cup final
SNTV Videos - Wed, Oct 24, 2012 1:30 AM SGT
LATEST SPORTS NEWS
Today on Yahoo!
More From
Most Popular Stories
Brooklyn Beckham joins QPR academy
Fit To Post SportsBy World of Sport (Original post by Europort can be found here.) Queens Park Rangers have been criticised for splashing the cash on expensive signings - but their latest capture has not cost a penny and comes with pretty good … Continue reading →
Man City and New York Yankees partner to form new MLS club in NYC
Dirty TackleAfter years of very publicly planning and searching for a suitable ownership group to front a second MLS team in New York, the league has found it in a partnership between Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi and … Continue reading →
Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
AFP NewsAndy Murray will miss the French Open with the back injury that flared up at the Rome Masters, the world number two announced on Tuesday.
Sergio Garcia takes spat with Tiger Woods to an ugly place with racist comment
Devil Ball GolfThere is always a line when athletes get in feuds that you just don't cross, but that changed on Tuesday night with the latest battle in the golf world. Attending an awards dinner for the European Tour, Sergio Garcia was … Continue reading →
Atletico Madrid: We have not received any offers for Falcao
GOAL.comThe club's CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has claimed that no formal deals have been proposed amidst fevered speculation over the Colombian star's next possible destination