Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino understands the hullabaloo surrounding Mario Balotelli’s return to the Premier League, but is giving the Italian little thought ahead of his potential Liverpool debut at White Hart Lane.
Just 18 months after leaving Manchester City to join boyhood club AC Milan, the 24-year-old this week completed his shock move to Anfield.
Balotelli arrived in a cut-price £16m (Dh97.5m) deal in what Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was quick to label the striker’s “last chance” to thrive at the top level.
The Italy international’s career has been punctuated by controversy on and off the field, although the prospect of making his brilliance more than an occasional delight is an exciting prospect for Liverpool.
Balotelli could make his debut at White Hart Lane tomorrow against in-form Tottenham, whose manager is happy to see the striker back in England, but not jumping on the rather excitable bandwagon.
“I haven’t an opinion about that,” Pochettino said. “The only thing is that he is a very good player, a star.
“For England, for our football, it is important that star players come here. Mario Balotelli is an unbelievable player and that he has very good skill. And, okay, it is important for football and for Liverpool, not for us.”
Meanwhile, Spurs last night reached an agreement with Montpellier over defensive midfielder Benjamin Stambouli.
The 24-year-old is now heading to England to undergo a medical and put pen to paper.
Stambouli’s arrival for around 5m (Dh20.5m) is likely to end Tottenham’s pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin after he was priced at £25m (Dh152m) by Southampton.