Mario Balotelli once again finds himself at the center of controversy following Italy’s early exit from the 2014 World Cup, but AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has publicly come to his defense amid mounting criticism and transfer rumors.
Galliani was clear in his stance:
“Balotelli will stay at Milan. I don’t like people saying that the national team lost because of him. It lost for other reasons.”
His support comes in stark contrast to the broader backlash Balotelli has faced in Italy, where media and fans pointed fingers at him after the Azzurri failed to advance past the group stage. Italy managed just one win (against England) before defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay, with Balotelli scoring Italy’s only goal in the tournament.
Galliani emphasized that Balotelli wasn’t the problem:
“He is the only striker who scored, while others didn’t even get a shot on target. I don’t understand why people only talk about him when there was a coach, a staff, and 22 other players.”
This statement appears to counter hints from Barbara Berlusconi, who had previously suggested that Balotelli’s future at Milan wasn’t guaranteed. Galliani’s declaration that Balotelli is “untransferable” suggests that, at least from a technical standpoint, the club still values him.
Balotelli’s World Cup experience has added to his already turbulent reputation, but Galliani’s public backing could signal continued faith from Milan—at least until further developments shift the narrative.
