Adana Demirspor coach Vincenzo Montella revealed Mario Balotelli has ‘a desire to return to the national team’ and stressed he will help him ‘achieve his target’.
Balotelli has been linked with a return to the Italy squad, after Roberto Mancini’s men struggled in front of goal in the recent World Cup Qualifying matches.
The former Inter and Milan striker currently plays for Montella’s side in Turkey and has bagged five goals in 13 Super Lig games plus one in two cup games.
Montella spoke to Goal about his decision to move to Turkey and revealed he was convinced by the project and ‘objectives’ at Adana.
“Before coming here, I was open to every possibility and talked to many clubs, but some of their projects didn’t interest me,” Montella told Goal.
“I wanted to explore new places and different leagues. When Adana called me, we evaluated what could be done, I visited the facilities and the city and made my decision to come here being convinced of the organisation and the objectives of the club.
“I’m pleased to be here and I’m working to improve this club.”
He was then asked about Balotelli’s time with the Turkish side and pointed out that he was pleased with the former Italy international’s work rate in recent months.
The coach confirmed Balotelli dreams of a return to the Nazionale for the World Cup Qualifiers in March next year and stressed he will ‘help’ the striker arrive there.
“He has managed to adapt to our system, his condition is improving day by day,” Montella said. “He works hard, and I believe he can do even more than what he has done so far.
“He has the desire to return to the national team and as a coach, this makes me very happy, and we will work further to achieve his target.”