Nice President Jean-Pierre Rivere said Mario Balotelli is “treated like everyone else,” but won’t promise he’ll stay in France.
The striker has been revitalised in Ligue 1 after a free transfer from Liverpool, having struggled at Milan before then.
“Mino Raiola is a great agent and a great person. I really like him,” Rivere told Tuttomercatoweb.
Nice President Jean-Pierre Rivere said Mario Balotelli is “treated like everyone else,” but won’t promise he’ll stay in France.
The striker has been revitalised in Ligue 1 after a free transfer from Liverpool, having struggled at Milan before then.
“Mino Raiola is a great agent and a great person. I really like him,” Rivere told Tuttomercatoweb.
“I am truly happy with Balotelli. Mario’s a great player and has settled in here so well. He is a very important player for us, we are happy he chose our project. Mario is happy here and we are too.
“We’ve got a good team, are competitive and there’s a wonderful atmosphere – all of that helps him.”
However, the President is more reticent when asked if Balotelli will remain at Nice in future.
“Hold on, calm down. What counts is today, the present, and we want to enjoy Mario’s great performances. We are pleased he is part of our squad and that he settled in so well.”
What is the secret to getting the best out of Balotelli?
“No secret, he is a normal person and a good lad. I am not his friend. I have the relationship that is right between President and player. We get along well, have a good professional relationship, but we are not friends. Mario doesn’t need to be treated differently, he’s a lad like the others.”
Rivere was also asked if he will sell Malang Sarr to Milan.
“No, that’s out of the question. He is a player we consider important and we want to keep him.”