Mario Balotelli has revealed the extent of the breakdown in relations at Liverpool as manager Jurgen Klopp spoke to him just once before a summer transfer to Nice.
The 26-year-old was signed by Brendan Rodgers and never settled on Merseyside side, scoring just four goals in the 2014-15 season at Liverpool, before an equally lacklustre showing on loan at AC Milan last campaign.
However the mercurial striker is flourishing in France having scored six goals in five matches. He scored a sublime winner at the weekend before getting harshly sent off illustrating he is still box office entertainment.
Mario Balotelli (left) is enjoying a fine start to his spell with Ligue 1 side Nice
The number nine has taken well to French football and rediscovered his goal scoring ability
Balotelli has six goals in five games for Nice and is close to returning to the Italy squad
In his single encounter with the German manager, Klopp suggested a loan deal, leaving the door open for an Anfield return.
'Klopp doesn't know me, I spoke to him once, he told me to go somewhere else, work hard and then return,' Balotelli told Sky Italia.
'So I said goodbye to them, and that we wouldn't be seeing each other again.'
The Italian seemed to bounce between controversies at Liverpool and Milan but insisted they 'weren't adapted to me', claiming he has no regrets, 'It wasn't anyone's fault. They weren't ideal environments for me.
'I didn't make mistakes in terms of my game or my behaviour, but I did get injured and that's not something I can control.'
The 26-year-old spent a turbulent season at Liverpool in 2014-15 scoring just four goals
The mercurial striker insists manager Jurgen Klopp spoke to him once before leaving the club
The charismatic striker was sent off having scored the winner against L'Orient on Sunday
MARIO BALOTELLI'S CAREER
2006-07: Lumezzane - Apps 2 Goals 0
2007-10: Inter Milan - Apps 86 Goals 28
2010-13: Manchester City - Apps 80 Goals 30
2013-14: AC Milan - Apps 54 Goals 30
2014-15: Liverpool - Apps 28 Goals 4
2015-16: AC Milan (loan) - Apps 23 Goals 3
2016- present: Nice - Apps 5 Goals 6
Balotelli has immediately settled into his new surroundings, helping to guide unbeaten Nice to top of Ligue 1.
'At the start, I chose Nice for the climate, I wanted to be in a relaxing but beautiful place, where it's difficult to get out the wrong side of the bed,' stated Balotelli
'The other reason I chose Nice is because there's a decent group of young players. We're all about the same age.'
The 26-year-old hasn't featured for his national side since the 2014 World Cup but agrees that he hasn't warranted a call-up in recent times.
'It was right not to select me because I didn't deserve it,' added Balotelli. 'It's better for (Giampiero) Ventura to not select me this time around because when I return, I want to be at my best.'
The rejuvenated Balotelli has guided an undefeated Nice to top of the Ligue 1 standings
Balotelli hasn't featured for Italy since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but hopes he can return
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