Adana Demirspor’s boss Vincenzo Montella says Mario Balotelli joined Sion because he wanted to move close to Italy and is ‘surprised’ by Inter and Juventus’ poor results.
Balotelli joined the Swiss side on the deadline day after a one-year spell in Turkey under the Italian tactician.
“Mario made his contribution of goals last year and we gave him a good hand to get back in shape and get another call-up for the national team,” Montella told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“But now he wanted to get closer to home. Sion’s offer satisfied both him and the club and we said goodbye. I wish him many satisfactions.”
Montella and Balotelli clashed in the striker’s final game in Turkey in August (VIDEO), but Montella ensures that his rapport with the ex-Inter and Milan striker is still ‘good’ and that similar incidents ‘can happen’ in football.
Balotelli, a former Manchester City and Liverpool striker, has collected 52 minutes across two appearances in Switzerland’s Super League but has yet to find the net with his new club.
He scored 19 goals in 35 appearances in Turkey last term.
Montella was also asked his thoughts on the Serie A title race and admitted being surprised by Inter and Juventus’ poor results so far.
“I could not imagine their problems but have time to recover,” he said.
“They have strong teams and the World Cup in the middle of the season could bring many surprises.
“Roma? Mou has created an enthusiasm that reminds me of the 2001 title. When there is this atmosphere in Rome, anything can happen. I am curious to see Lazio’s developments, while Fiorentina have been disappointing compared to last season.”
Montella’s Adana Demirspor share the top spot of the Turkish Super Lig with 16 points in seven games.
im sure that aint the reason