Balotelli: I'm ready to return to Italy

Balotelli has impressed in the French league, ever since moving to Nice in 2016. He has scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side this season, and this has led to speculation that the Italian striker may make a move back to the Serie A.

Speaking to 'Rai Sport', Balotelli added weight to the rumours, saying that he is "ready to come back to Italy". "My agent Mino Raiola is taking care of my future," he stated. "All I know is that I have matured and I am ready to come back to Italy."

However, he made it clear that if he did return, it would most likely not be to AC Milan, where he has spent two spells previously. "I think it'd be very difficult to come to Milan, as it would be the third time, but Juventus and Napoli are two teams that I like."

The forward also outlined his hopes of a recall to the Italian national side, claiming that the change in management for the 'Azurri' increases his chances of a call up. "Last season [Gian Piero] Ventura came to Nice before the game with PSG," he said. "We had a long talk, but I realised straight away that he wasn't ever going to call me up for his team. I deserved to be called up, though. Now he is no longer on the bench and I am ready to come back for the Azzurri."