Balotelli target of gaffe by AC Milan owner Berlusconi

MILAN --

Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has made another gaffe, saying AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has ''taken too much sun.''

Berlusconi, who described U.S. President Barack Obama as ''tanned'' in 2008 and 2009, was discussing his wish for an all-Italian Milan team. He then joked that Italy forward Balotelli, who is black, ''is also Italian even if he has taken too much sun.''

Berlusconi spoke at the Serie A's club training ground during celebrations to mark his 30 years as owner.

Balotelli was born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants and raised by Italian foster parents. He has suffered racist abuse throughout his career.

Balotelli, on loan from Liverpool, went to Anfield in 2014 after a season at Milan. Berlusconi says Milan could buy Balotelli back ''if he wises up.''