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This wasn't ever going to be easy, was it?
Just days after Mino Raiola supposedly said that his star client Mario Balotelli wants out of the farce that is AC Milan and that Chelsea are very much an option, the agent has now supposedly claimed that none of that is actually true and it was "low-level journalism" to attribute any such claims to him.
"I have not spoken with anyone. They are liars. This is low-level journalism. I agree with what's been reported on the official AC Milan site regarding Balotelli not being available for transfer in January."
-Mino Raiola; source: Sky Italy via Inside Futbol
Then again, good luck trying to decide between an agent and the football media when it comes to who is more likely to make up things to get ahead in the world.
As Sport Witness have dug it up, Raiola actually mentioned Chelsea as a potential destination way back in October already.
"Mourinho at Chelsea and Balotelli? They broke up well, they are always in contact, there is mutual respect... Mario to Chelsea? It could also happen, but Galliani obviously doesn't want it to."
-Mino Raiola; source: TMW via Sport Witness
In all honesty, this probably doesn't change anything. The die has been cast, even if under false pretenses. Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri may talk up his team's and Balotelli's prospects for 2014, but at the rate they're going, he'll be lucky to see out the end of the season. If Chelsea do actually want Mario Balotelli, I would guess all that we'd have to do is submit a reasonable bid and maybe have Mourinho give Mario a call.
Got any minutes left on your mobile, José?
