Nice striker Mario Balotelli believes he deserved a recall to the Italy squad for the friendlies with Argentina and England.
The 27-year-old was overlooked by Luigi Di Biagio despite scoring 14 goals in 19 starts in Ligue 1 this season, with youngsters Federico Chiesa and Patrick Cutrone preferred alongside Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.
Italy interim boss Di Biagio confirmed he would continue to monitor Balotelli s form with a view to handing him a call-up this year for the first time since the 2014 World Cup finals.
The former Liverpool forward admits he had been hoping to be given a chance this month, however.
I was hoping for it, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. I thought I deserved it.
14 Mario Balotelli is the player who has scored the most goals (14) without delivering a single assist in the French Ligue 1 this season. Selfish.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean)
Balotelli believes he has given his international prospects a boost by becoming more mature during fatherhood, insisting a more promiscuous lifestyle is very much behind him.
I m more mature, thanks to my children, he said. I m 27 years old. The time for girls is over.
The former Inter and AC Milan man also confirmed he is keeping his options open regarding his long-term future, with his contract at Nice expiring at the end of the season.
Asked if he would prefer to play in France, Italy or England, he replied: Let s say I live on the border.
