Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli has claimed he could have joined Spanish giants FC Barcelona earlier in his career, and explained why the transfer did not happen.
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The controversial Italian striker has been keeping himself out of trouble lately, and has been flourishing at his new club Nice this season.
When he was an Inter Milan player between 2007 and 2010, Balotelli was highly rated amongst the world's elite, and he has now claimed that it was during this period that Barcelona were interested in signing him.
"I nearly joined Barcelona, but the club that had me at the time wanted money," the Italian attacker told RMC.
The former AC Milan star also spoke of his time in the Premier League, and admitted he enjoyed his time at Manchester City, but he does not want to remember Liverpool.
"Manchester City was a dream because there was such an Italian atmosphere there," Balotelli added.
"Don't speak to me about Liverpool, please. There was a team with great people, fantastic fans, but the place…"
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The 26-year-old has been back among the goals this season, having scored 12 times in 21 appearances for the French club so far.
Do you think Balotelli would have been a different player if he had ended up at Barcelona? Have your say in the comments section below.
