'I do not want to return to Liverpool,' says Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli has revealed he does not want to return to Liverpool, claiming he was never happy during his short spell at Anfield.

The 25-year-old, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, moved to Liverpool in 2014 but endured a difficult year with the Reds, scoring just one Premier League goal before being shipped off to the San Siro.

Balotelli's struggles have continued in Italy with the striker scoring just once in Serie A all season, but the former Manchester City forward insists he is keen to extend his stay there.

"I want to stay at Milan," Balotelli told Mediaset Premium. "I do not want to return to Liverpool. I was never happy at Liverpool.

"I've been doing well in my last two games and there are another six for me to prove myself. Besides, Milan have the money."

It remains to be seen whether AC Milan turn Balotelli's loan into a permanent deal in the summer, but boss Cristian Brocchi, who replaced Sinisa Mihajlovic last week, has given the Italy international an ultimatum over his future.

"The important thing is that he plays every single game for the team," Brocchi told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't need someone who just runs when he has the ball at his feet.

"I've found Mario to be eager, he promised me that he'd give everything. In the past he knew he would have other options, but now he knows he doesn't have any more."