Balotelli: 'I will win the Ballon d'Or'
Mario Balotelli is convinced he will unseat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to become the world's best football player.
The Liverpool forward, who returned to the Premier League side for pre-season training Saturday after his loan deal with AC Milan expired, contended that his struggles on the pitch over the last few years will soon be a thing of the past, and promised that he will win football's most prestigious individual award.
"In my view there weren't enough (expectations put on me), as I can do so much more than what I said. But it takes time," Balotelli told Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, as translated by Sky Sports.
"On the scale of 0 to 10, I stopped at five, but I'll get to 10 eventually. I want to get there. I will win the Ballon d'Or."
After joining Liverpool in 2013, Balotelli scored 18 goals during his first season at Anfield. But his struggles the following season triggered a loan move back to his former team, AC Milan, where his poor form continued.
Balotelli added that he realises that people will scoff at the idea of him being named the world's top footballer, but insists that, at the age of 25, there's still plenty of time for him to revitalize his career.
He added, "I don't want to reach the end of my career with the regret of not doing everything I can to be the best."
"Up until two years ago I made do with what I had. I did well, knew I could play, so I was happy. It wasn't in my mind to improve, as I thought that was enough.
"Over the last two years I started working seriously, yet the results did not arrive. Maybe I am paying the price for the previous 23 years."