Mario Balotelli Transfer News: Former Manchester City Star Open To Premier League Return

Though previously indicating that he’d only return to England to play for Manchester City, current AC Milan and Italian National team star Mario Balotelli has not ruled out a Premier League homecoming. The 23-year-old Palermo native joined Milan in 2013 following three seasons at Etihad Stadium where he helped City claim the 2011-2012 Premier League title along with the 2010-2011 FA Cup and 2012 FA Community Shield. A prominent scorer who holds the ability to strike at any moment, the international superstar said recently that a move back to the Premier League sits as an option, especially since racism remains prevalent throughout the Italian league.

“The Manchester City fans were fantastic with me and when I left, I said that I'd never be able to see myself in England with another shirt than City's,” he said recently. “But in football, nothing's impossible. It's important to understand that racism and racist people will never disappear. Football as a sport should help us and start giving severe punishments to racial behavior. I'm starting to think that leaving the field is the best thing, although I've not done that yet. That would be a victory for racists, who are just stupid people.”

Prior to his stay at Manchester City, Balotelli -- who is currently 11th in Serie A scoring with 10 goals this season -- spent three years with Inter Milan, registering 28 league goals in 86 appearances. Despite not always seeing eye-to-eye then-Inter coach Jose Mourinho, Balotelli says he’s matured a lot over the years and would definitely entertain the thought of rejoining his former boss, who now serves as head man for Premier League-leading Chelsea. Citing Mourinho’s entertaining style of play and strong team camaraderie as a selling point, the AC Milan striker remains open to outside opportunity.

“Of course I would like to play under Jose again,” Balotelli said. “In my first days at Inter we had some problems, but then it turned into a mutual respect, and now we have a real friendship. I made mistakes in the past and I have no problem admitting it. I've matured a lot in the past two years and I don't think my conduct's a problem anymore It is never boring playing under Jose. When you are in Mourinho’s team it is a family and he coaches on the principal that if all is well with the family it doesn’t matter what is going on outside the team.”