Balotelli set for Liverpool return, confirms Berlusconi

The maverick striker failed to make an impact while on loan at AC Milan this season, finding the back of the net just once in 20 Serie A appearances during an unsuccessful spell

Posted Thursday, May 26, 2016 by Goal.com

Mario Balotelli is set for a return to Liverpool after AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi revealed the striker is among a host of departures at the club.

Balotelli joined Milan on a season-long loan in August last year but endured a disappointing campaign at the San Siro, scoring just once in 20 Serie A appearances.

The 25-year-old, who still has two years left on his Liverpool deal, admitted in April he does not want a return to Liverpool at the end of the season.

Milan finished seventh in Serie A this season, with coach Sinisa Mihajlovic sacked and replaced by Cristian Brocchi a month out from the end of the campaign.

And Berlusconi confirmed there would be a big clean-out at the club in the summer, with Balotelli just one of several players heading for the exit door.

"There are many departures in sight, and Mario is one who will end his contract with us," the 79-year-old told Telelombardi.

"There is also [Philippe] Mexes, Alex, [Kevin-Prince] Boateng and others, all five are at the end of their contract, and then some other names that we put on the [transfer] market."