Manuel Pellegrini was denied the chance to work with Mario Balotelli at Manchester City – but could the pair finally meet at West Ham United this summer?
Manuel Pellegrini was never given the chance to work with Mario Balotelli at Manchester City. The Maverick Italian departed England for AC Milan in January 2013, five months before Pellegrini was appointed as Roberto Mancini’s successor at the Etihad.
But it is clear that the 64-year-old Chilean is a fan of Balotelli.
When the enigmatic striker was due to sign for Liverpool in what would prove to be a disastrous deal in the summer of 2015, Pellegrini lauded Balotelli and believed he had the potential to play for any club in European football.
“I think Mario Balotelli is a very good player. He went here from Manchester City to Italy but I think he can play everywhere he wants,” the former Villarreal and Real Madrid manager told The Telegraph.
“I know the character of Mario Balotelli – everyone that is involved in football knows about him.”
Interestingly, The Telegraph state that Pellegrini is in talks to become West Ham’s new manager in a deal that could announced early this week. And, just two months ago, Turkish outlet Aspor claimed that The Hammers were ready to challenge Galatasaray for the signing of Balotelli this summer.
So could Pellegrini finally work with a man who was sold just before he arrived at Manchester City? Balotelli has just enjoyed the best two seasons of his career at Ligue 1 outfit Nice, netting 26 times in 38 games across 2017/18 before leaving the Riviera at the expiry of his contract.
So what better time for West Ham to take a chance on one of football’s most divisive figures?
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