AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has denied claims that Mario Balotelli is set to join the club.
The Italian international has been a rumoured target after the Rossoneri sold Alexandre Pato to Corinthians earlier this year. However, Berlusconi has branded Balotelli a bad apple who would affect team morale at Milan.
“The name of Balotelli never came into my thoughts, he is a rotten apple and could infect every group where he goes, even Milan,” he said to reporters.
He then spoke about the coaching situation at the San Siro club.
“[You ask] if Allegri will stay at Milan next season? I have to say the truth? Please, ask me another question.
“I always tried to bring him [Guardiola] to Milan, because over the last [few] years Barcelona played the best football.
“Until last year our team had high class champions that could play football in Guardiola’s style, but now the chances that he can come here are very low.
“We are dealing with a lot of young players. We decided that we did not want a ‘top player’ over 21-years-old as we want to re-build.
“Fans must always follow the team with great passion and attachment but need to wait two to three years for AC Milan, after 26 years of success, for the success to come back.”
