Mario Balotelli's Agent Mino Raiola Rules Out Striker's Return to Italy

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has poured cold water on rumours suggesting that the Italian striker is set to make a sensational return to Italy during the January transfer window.

The former AC Milan striker only joined the Reds this summer for a reported £16m and has struggled to come to terms with his new surroundings.

The Italian international has failed to live up to his potential and is yet to score a goal in the Premier League for the Merseyside club.

There were reports suggesting that other Liverpool players are tired with the striker's poor attitude that has disrupted the dressing room, and have turned their ire towards manager Brendan Rodgers, who insists on starting with him despite his poor form.

However, there were reports claiming that since the striker is not scoring goals, the Anfield club are ready to cut their losses and sell him to clubs in Italy. But his agent has distanced his client from such rumours and denied that Balotelli is moving to Inter Milan or Napoli during the January transfer window.

"A return to Inter is impossible. Not for Mancini, but for other reasons of which it isn't worth talking about.

"Even Naples. Mario does not return to Italy," Raiola said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

The Italian agent has acknowledged his client's lack of goals and his lack of effort during the games, but is hoping that this phase will pass soon and he will get back to his best.

He has also confirmed that the relationship between the Italian forward and Liverpool is perfect despite reports suggesting otherwise.

"He lacks the goals, doesn't run well but it is a time that must pass. He now has this injury and we hope to have it resolved as soon as possible. The relationship with the team? It is perfect, the English journalists must not be part of his life," Raiola concluded.