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| Mario Balotelli struggled to settle in England and is now back in Italy with AC Milan |
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed he considered signing Mario Balotelli before the striker signed for rivals Manchester City.
In his new book, Leading, the former Manchester United manager says he was made aware of the Italian five years ago as he emerged from the Inter Milan youth ranks.
However, after speaking with other managers Ferguson opted against a move after questions were raised about his personality.
The controversial Italian then moved to City, where he was the subject of numerous controversies both on and off the pitch.
After leaving the club for AC Milan he returned to England with Liverpool but has had similar problems and was eventually farmed back out on loan to Italy.
"In 2010 I briefly flirted with the idea of signing Mario Balotelli, the talented but controversial Italian striker," Ferguson wrote.
"I did my homework on him, speaking to a few Italian contacts, but the feedback I got confirmed it was too big a risk.
"I don't know whether this sort of candid professional courtesy exists in other fields, but for me it was a Godsend."
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