I have always wanted to play for Milan, says Balotelli

New AC Milan signing Mario Balotelli says that it is a dream come true to play for the Italian giants.

The Italy international completed his move to the San Siro outfit from Manchester City this week in a deal worth €21 million.


And Balotelli says he is aiming to become a key figure for his new side. “It is not a burden to be here but a real honour instead. I have always wanted to play for Milan," the 22-year-old said at a press conference.


"I return as a man now and I hope to grow as a player and I hope to stay as long as possible. I grew up a lot in England after I left Inter. With Inter, I won a lot sometimes playing and sometimes not. But, here I want to be a protagonist.


“I want to be an important player for this club. Being here really is a dream, however, I'd rather let my football do the talking.


“I also want to thank the City fans. They always supported me, no matter what. I will always remember training with my team-mates there, and the matches.

“The rest though, I will not miss. The Premier League is a great League, but I am only thinking of this adventure."


Balotelli, who spent four years with Milan rivals Inter before moving to the Premier League, went on to reveal that he plans to celebrate if he scores against his old club in the upcoming Milan derby, while also saying he holds no grudge against Silvio Berlusconi who recently called him a "rotten apple".


"I would celebrate if I scored in that game. I don't think the Inter fans have any right to be angry with me and obviously I will be whistled but that's football," he continued.


“The president has apologised for calling me a rotten apple. But I did not hear anything anyway. I have never voted in any election, and I'm not ashamed of that.


“Anyway, it's a dream to play here. I've wanted this for a long time, and now I just want to play.”