Mino Raiola says Mario Balotelli “just needs the right opportunity” because “in life it’s never too late”.
The striker’s career has stalled somewhat in recent seasons, following a disappointing first season at Liverpool, followed by an injury-hit loan spell at Milan.
The Rossoneri opted not to make the move permanent, and Jurgen Klopp has made it clear there’s no place for Super Mario at Anfield, but the player’s agent is calm.
Mino Raiola says Mario Balotelli “just needs the right opportunity” because “in life it’s never too late”.
The striker’s career has stalled somewhat in recent seasons, following a disappointing first season at Liverpool, followed by an injury-hit loan spell at Milan.
The Rossoneri opted not to make the move permanent, and Jurgen Klopp has made it clear there’s no place for Super Mario at Anfield, but the player’s agent is calm.
“In life it’s never too late,” Raiola told Corriere dello Sport.
“If you think Mario makes me despair, you’re wrong because his life has improved a lot and now he just needs the right opportunity.
“Of course, he also needs a bit of luck which he hasn’t had over the last two season, but I assure you he’s a great person, a lad with a big heart.
“Where will he go? I’m saying nothing. Let’s see what happens, I won’t close the door on any solution. That goes for Mario and all my players.
“I listen to what is offered to me and then I decide along with them.”
Sinisa Mihajlovic famously called Raiola a “pizzaiolo [pizza maker]”, but the agent isn’t offended by the term.
“Pizzaiolo isn’t a derogatory or offensive word. I worked in my father Mario’s restaurant and that experience made me the person I am today.
“I haven’t forgotten where I came from, and I don’t deny the honest work I’ve done. In fact, I’m proud of it.
“Being a waiter and serving at tables, you’ll learn a lot of things, first of all respect for people. The waiter treats everyone the same way, from the most powerful entrepreneur to the workman.
“It taught me not to judge anyone and to listen to everyone. The restaurant was my university, although I did go to university.
“I learned a lot from my father, he’s a perfectionist. He taught me how to organise things well and explained to me that when you start a job, it’s important that you don’t give yourself limits.
“I waited at the family restaurant in Haarlem from when I was 11 because I wanted to be with him and my uncles.
“I also studied though, first grammar school and then university. My father did everything he could to make me happy, but there was no getting away from the rules of work.
“At 6am the alarm in my house sounded to arrange the terrace at the restaurant. Even if I went to bed at 5, by 6 I had to be on my feet.
“Now my father is 87 years old and he no longer handles our restaurants. I think of all my family members, but he’s a point of reference for me.”