Galliani: Balotelli first to training and last to leave

The Milan CEO believes the 25-year-old has matured after praising his attitude in his first week since returning the club
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani says Mario Balotellihas been the first person to arrive for training and the last to leave since rejoining the club.


Balotelli completed a loan move to San Siro last week, a year since leaving for a disastrous 12-month spell with Liverpool.


This week the 25-year-old said the time has come for him to grow up, and Galliani revealed Balotelli has shown encouraging signs of maturity in his first few days back in Milan.


“Balotelli turns up on time and is even early. He opens the gates of the Milanello [training ground],” Galliani told Gazzetta Dello Sport.


“He is the first to arrive and the last to leave. I'm thinking about giving him the keys.”


Balotelli hit 26 goals in 43 league appearances in his first spell with Milan following a 2013 switch from Manchester City.


Galliani went on to reveal that a deal to bring the Italy international had not initially been part of the club’s summer plans and also warned the Italy international this could be his last chance.


“The Balotelli issue was dreamed up and finalised all in one day. We didn’t plan for this,” Galliani continued.


“It depends on him now. He is a great player, but it depends on where his mind is. He seems to be matured, aware this is his last chance.”