Super agent Mino Raiola has slammed Jurgen Klopp over the treatment of his client Mario Balotelli.
The destination of Balotelli was one of the more interesting plotlines on transfer deadline day as they was no chance that the was staying at Liverpool. He eventually ended up at Ligue 1 club Nice where he has another chance to revive his career, but the circumstances of the move clearly upset the Raiola.
Signed by then-coach Brendan Rodgers in August 2014, the Liverpool striker flattered to deceive in Merseyside and 12 months later was sent on loan to AC Milan,later returning to find new boss Jurgen Klopp uninterested in offering a first-team opportunity.
The 26-year-old star was omitted from Liverpool’s pre-season tour and trained with the reserves following his return to Anfield earlier this summer, with Klopp making it clear the Italian did not feature in his long-term plans. Klopp subsequently told Balotelli he was free to leave the club he joined in 2014.
“Ultimately, the directors at Liverpool admitted Klopp was wrong,” Raiola told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I cannot judge whether he is a good coach, although for me he is not, but he didn’t understand that, above all, Balotelli is a person.
“Mario had exemplary behaviour, never complained when training alone, and to say it was a mistake by Klopp is an understatement, he is a piece of s**t.
“Now in the south of France after completing a free transfer to Nice, Balotelli can settle into a new challenge, although his agent maintains that interested clubs were plentiful.
“[He had offers] from Italy, Germany, England, and in Spain,” added Raiola.
“But, there is an interesting language and attacking football in France.”
Strong words from Raiola. I am guessing we will not be seeing any of his clients opting to move to the red side of Merseyside anytime soon.
