The Italy international’s behaviour has once again been the subject of much debate this season but his Dutch boss insists that the 23-year-old is maturing
AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf claims that he saw Mario Balotelli grow both as a player and a man in Wednesday’s crucial Serie A win at Fiorentina.
After being dropped to the bench for last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Lazio, the Italy international produced an industrious display upon his return to the starting line-up that was capped by a fine free kick that sealed a surprise 2-0 win for the Rossoneri at the Artemio Franchi.
Seedorf was enthused by Balotelli’s performance, arguing that the 23-year-old played with the kind of maturity and sense of responsibility that is often said to be lacking in his game.
“All credit to Balotelli after the Fiorentina game as he played at both ends of the pitch for 90 minutes,” the Milan boss told reporters on Friday.
“He behaved well with the referee as well – and that shows growth. If he continues like this, we’ll all be very happy.
“I think Mario has shown big improvements in the last game, both as a man and a player.”
Balotelli is Milan’s top scorer in Serie A this season, with 12 goals, but it has been repeatedly reported in recent months that the club are considering cashing in on the enigmatic forward this summer.