Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has left the door open for Mario Balotelli by sayings it’s up to the player whether or not he extends his career on Anfield.
The 24-year-old was signed from AC Milan for £16m last season but is expected to be allowed to leave this summer after a disappointing campaign.
Balotelli, along with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique, were all left out of the squad for the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, but the trio appear to be in no rush to leave Merseyside.
The Italian international has only scored four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds.
When Rodgers addressed the media in Kuala Lumpur today, he said:
“Mario is obviously not on tour but working hard and training well with a number of other players at Melwood.”
When asked if Balotelli could still be at the club at the end of the summer transfer window, Rodgers responded with:
“I’m not sure, that will entirely be up to Mario.
“He is working hard to get fit and we will see when the season begins.”
Along with the former Manchester City striker, fellow forwards Borini and Rickie Lambert are all expected to leave Anfield.
Balotelli’s first pre-season game is likely to be against either HJK Helsinki on August 1 or against Swindon Town the following day.
