Mario Balotelli: "I Want To Play With Ibra," Could Milan Now Move For City Star?

The possibility has been discussed before...

Will Mario Balotelli ever play for AC Milan?

It has been rumored for quite a while now. The Italian, who played for Inter Milan from 2007 to the end of last season before joining Manchester City, is known to be an AC Milan fan. Controversy arose some time ago when Balotelli went on a talk show wearing a shirt of Inter's city-rivals, admitting that he grew up a Milanista.

For this and other reasons, when it was known that Balotelli would be leaving the Nerazzuri in the summer, a lot of people suggested that only moving to the other locker room in the San Siro would be likely.

But this idea was crushed by Balotelli and his agent.

Unfortunately for Balotelli, his move to Manchester City has been very unsuccessful. He has made only four appearances for former Inter boss Roberto Mancini. Though those four appearances have brought him three goals, he still cannot break into the team on a regular basis.

It seems now that Balotelli has decided a move away from City would be right despite having only just arrived.

Balotelli attended the Milan Derby on Sunday, where he watched Zlatan Ibrahimovic blast a penalty into the bottom of the net right in front of the Curva Nord, the Inter end of the San Siro. Milan went down to ten men after an hour but held the defending five-time champions for a 1-0 win. During the match, English commentators Max Patrick and Paul Visca joked about what color shirt, red or blue, they thought the former Inter man was wearing under his jacket.

After the match, reports exploded throughout the world of football that Balotelli had been seen enjoying some wine and a dinner with Milan chairman Adriano Galliani. The restaurant is reportedly a hot spot for Rossoneri players and staff. Balotelli and Galliani both insist nothing about a transfer was discussed.

However, the 20-year-old has now made a declaration, though not directly linking himself with Milan.

"I want to play with 'Ibra,'" he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I hope it happens. I want to play with Ibrahimovic. It doesn't matter for which club."

Balotelli and Ibrahimovic were teammates at Inter Milan, where the Italian became fond of the giant Swede, who now plays with AC Milan.

If Balotelli wants to play alongside Ibrahimovic, it would most likely have to be at the San Siro once again. Ibrahimovic is currently on loan from Barcelona, but reportedly already has a four year deal with the Serie A leaders. Milan will not want to lose their top scorer. The Swedish Player of the Year has nine goals in 15 matches for the Rossoneri.

Will Milan make a bid for Balotelli? It may be a good idea. Milan currently have only three of their five main forwards (Robinho, Ibrahimovic, and Ronaldinho) healthy. Filippo Inzaghi has been lost for the season and Brazilian hitman Pato has been ruled out until January. Injuries are always a concern for Milan's second best scorer this year. He has been out long-term several times in his career, including twice this season.

Milan are reportedly in the market for a forward, with the names Fernando Torres, Rolando Bianchi, Alessandro Matri, and Eden Hazard all drawing interest from the club. Over the summer, Lukas Podolski, Edin Dzeko, and Clint Dempsey were other names linked with the club.