• Serie A

Mourinho warns City over Balotelli attitude

ESPN Soccernet staff
July 28, 2010
Jose Mourinho once claimed Mario Balotelli could be the best in the world if he trained to 50 percent of his maximum © Getty Images
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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has warned clubs interested in Mario Balotelli that the young striker's talent is tempered by a poor attitude, as the race for his signature continues.

Balotelli has been strongly linked with a move away from Inter Milan this summer, with Manchester City in talks with the Nerazzurri over a reported £20 million move.

But while the precocious 19-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for a number of clubs, Mourinho - his former boss at the San Siro - believes any potential suitors should be careful with the hot-headed Balotelli.

"The guy has incredible qualities, but sometimes does not know how to use his brain," Mourinho said.

"Let me give an example of when we played at home in the semi-final of the Champions League against Barcelona and he would not take the field. I threw him into the fray and Mario was static, not even giving a hand in defence."

Meanwhile, City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he would be delighted if Balotelli were to join him at Eastlands.

"I have had the chance to play alongside a lot of great strikers so whoever comes in they are welcome," Adebayor told Sky Sports News. "We will do everything to help the person adapt to English football.

"Balotelli is originally from Ghana and he plays for Italy. I am an African man as well so for me it is going to be a pleasure meeting him. If he is supposed to sign for the club, fine. At the end of the day what is important is that we have to bring in players that can make us win things."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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