Balotelli reveals joy at goalscoring AC Milan debut

Feb 3, 2013 11:55:00 PM

The new San Siro signing scored both of the Rossoneri’s goals on his return to Italy after two-and-a-half years at Manchester City, but insists he has to work a lot on his fitness

Mario Balotelli has revealed his delight at scoring both goals in his debut for AC Milan, in which the side beat Udinese 2-1 on Sunday night.

The Italy forward was due to start the game on the bench, but Giampaolo Pazzini picked up an injury in training, which meant the €22 million January signing started the game on the pitch.

He scored after 25 minutes to put the Rossoneri ahead, but a goal from Giampiero Pinzi looked to have settled the game as a draw. However, a late - and very controversial - penalty was awarded and the striker calmly put away the spot kick to secure a stoppage-time victory.

Balotelli told reporters after the game: "I was supposed to be on the bench and Pazzo [Pazzini] was meant to play but he had a problem. I played from the start and it went well."

The former Inter starlet admitted that his fitness needs a lot of work, however, but exclaimed his joy despite his post-match exhaustion.

"I'm happy even if the game was difficult," Balotelli added. "I’m strong but my legs are still heavy. I haven't played many games and I have to train a lot."

The win leaves the Rossoneri level on points with archrivals Inter, and fourth in Serie A.

Inside Goal.Com

Nigerians Abroad - Year in Review: Spain & Portugal
Goal begin their annual reports on Super Eagles stars overseas by focusing on those players plying their trade on the Iberian Peninsula; Spain and Portugal
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Like Owomoyela, like Sam
The German-Nigerian has been put in the dicey position of having to decide his international future after J Loew called him up last week
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind