Balotelli has Ibrahimovic effect, says Galliani

Balotelli has 'the Ibrahimovic effect', says Galliani

18/02/2013 4:31:00 AM

The Rossoneri's vice-president says that his club's new signing pushes his team-mates on, in the same way the Paris Saint-Germain striker inspires his side

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has said that Mario Balotelli has a similar effect on his side to the impact Zlatan Ibrahimovic has on Paris Saint-Germain.

Balotelli has scored four goals in his three Serie A matches since arriving from Manchester City, and Galliani has praised the Italian's displays.

“Balotelli inspires the other players, sort of like the Zlatan Ibrahimovic effect," he said.

"He gives strength, and his performances have a collateral effect on the others. His goals are proof we didn’t just buy him for his media impact.”

Milan, who currently lie third in Serie A following Friday's 2-1 win over Parma, next face Barcelona in the last-16 of the Champions League.

And the Rossoneri vice-president says he believes his side have no reason to fear the Liga giants, but admitted they could be without striker Stephan El Shaarawy, while Balotelli cannot feature after appearing in the competition earlier in the season with Manchester City.

“Destiny means we have met Barcelona six times in two seasons, but we have no psychological weakness towards them,” he said.

“We hope that El Shaarawy can recover in time for the match. It is fortunate we signed Mario Balotelli in January, as Giampaolo Pazzini has been injured and El Shaarawy is trying to recover from a knee inflammation.”