Transfer Centre

Agent: 'Liverpool is Mario Balotelli's last chance at top level football'

By Sian Cowper, Reporter | 23 August 2014

The agent of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli says that his proposed move to Liverpool could be his client's last chance to be a success at a top club.

Mario Balotelli's agent has admitted that the forward's move to Liverpool could be the striker's last chance to play at a big club.

The AC Milan striker is undergoing a medical at the club's Melwood training ground ahead of a proposed £16m move to Anfield.

Mino Raiola told Corriere della Sera: "At the top level yes [it is his last chance]. Either it works here or it's a bust. If it goes wrong? Mario is 24 years old. He no longer has the alibi of his age.

"Mario played well for six or seven months, giving a decisive push for them to enter the Champions League. But then you could see he is not ready to be a leader. Will he ever be a leader? It's not mandatory that every player has to be a leader.

"Liverpool have Steven Gerrard. There Mario will be protected and can give his best. Now it's up to him. Another flop is inadvisable. Not everyone is born to be a leader and a good striker is not always a leader either."

Raiola also indicated that the transfer will be completed on Monday or Tuesday.