Moratti wants Balotelli back at Inter Milan

Published Nov. 14, 2011 1:12 p.m. ET

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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti says he would love to see Mario Balotelli back at the Serie A club.

Moratti sold Balotelli to Manchester City in August 2010 and the striker has impressed over the past year.

''I would take back Balotelli tomorrow,'' Moratti said. ''I've always had a lot of admiration for him. I think he's starting to do really well thanks to (City coach Roberto) Mancini and his experience in England.''

However, Moratti seems unlikely to make a bid for Balotelli, who caused controversy during his last season at Inter when, among other things, he was forced to publicly apologize after donning an AC Milan shirt on an Italian television show.

Balotelli was also heavily criticized after he threw his shirt to the ground after being booed by Inter fans for a poor performance against Barcelona.

''I'm not sure if a return is possible,'' Moratti added. ''I don't regret letting him escape because I didn't let him escape. Things happened which meant it was hard to keep him.

''Now he's matured but things don't change, I think he will continue in England and he will do well there.''

Balotelli became the talk of Italy after a stunning goal topped off his stellar performance against Poland on Friday.

It was the 21-year-old Italian's first goal in six internationals and has been seen as a sign of a more mature Balotelli who is ready to shoulder responsibility in the national team.

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri believes Balotelli could become one of football's greats if he continues to mature.

''I would welcome him with open arms,'' Ranieri told Corriere dello Sport. ''He's a stunning talent. But I haven't spoken with the dressing room to see if there would be an aversion to seeing him again.

''It's up to him to understand how much it suits him to act the rebel. Balotelli can be one of the best footballers in the world, but it's up to him.''

Inter has had a woeful start to the season and five defeats in nine games leave it 17th in the standings, 13 points behind leader Udinese.

''Anything can happen,'' Ranieri said. ''The squad has great mental fortitude and you can't take anything for granted. The table says we are behind but I always fight and I'm not convinced we're out of it.

''There's still a lot of desire to win. I have faith and I say that we can still give a lot. I would still bet on us in the title race.''