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Liverpool granted Mario Balotelli leave after the death of his adoptive father, Francesco. According to The Telegraph, Balotelli was due back in Merseyside but was given extra time off, after the demise of his father over the weekend.
Most of the players were back at Melwood ahead of their pre-season tour, but the Italian striker was a notable absentee during the training session.
Mario Balotelli was born in Palermo, Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah. When he was two, his family moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy. In 1993, the authorities suggested that he be taken into foster care, following which he was adopted by an Italian foster family, the Balotellis, who raised him.
The Italian striker took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the support he received from fans and friends
Liverpool play Thai All Stars, Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United, Malaysia XI and HJK in their pre-season friendlies. Balotelli is expected to feature in their pre-season tour at some point of time.
Balotelli linked with an exit away from Anfield
Balotelli made just 10 appearances and scored a solitary goal in the whole of Premier League last season. Liverpool finished 6th last season and failed to adapt after Luis Suarez’s departure to Barcelona. Balotelli has failed to live up to expectations and endured a difficult season at Merseyside after coming from Milan for £16 million.
The latest rumour doing the rounds on the Express is that Newcastle United are interested in signing the Italian striker. Lack of football with the Reds has prompted the new Magpies boss, Steve McClaren to pursue the maverick striker. Mclaren is a supposed admirer of the Italian striker and believes he can turn things around for the hot-headed player.
A St James' Park source told Winnersports, as quoted by the Express, “Something needs to be done – and fast. The season is closing in, the players are back training yet no signings have been made. This cannot go on. Balotelli may not be to be everyone’s liking but when he is on his day he is a top player and McClaren believes he can get the best out of him.”
