The AC Milan attacker is delighted with life under his new coach and has vowed to end his scoring drought against Spanish opposition on Wednesday
Mario Balotelli has hailed the influence of new AC Milan boss Clarence Seedorf, claiming the Dutch coach is “like a brother” at San Siro.
Seedorf took the reins of the Rossoneri following the sacking of Massimiliano Allegri last month and results have steadily improved under his tutelage.
And 23-year-old Balotelli says the former Real Madrid midfielder is as much a friend as a trainer and is always available to speak to his players.
“Clarence is practically another player, a brother, a team-mate,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“You can talk about football and other things”
Milan face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Balotelli says he relishes the task of playing in Europe’s top competition.
“When I feel pressure, it’s usually off the pitch, not on it. It’s true that European football is different, with its amostphere and the fans.
“It’s different and perhaps a little better.”
Balotelli has not scored against a Liga team since 2011-12 when he helped Manchester City overcome Villarreal but is determined to put that right against Diego Simeone’s side.
“It’s time I beat a Spanish team and scored a goal,” he said. “I’m a good player. I’m an important player in a great team like Milan. I’m only thinking of helping the team win games.”