Balotelli remains hopeful of winning Ballon d'Or award

Ghanaian-born Italian Mario Balotelli says he is still hopeful of one day becoming the World’s best player despite his recent slump in form.

The Liverpool striker who missed out in Antonio Conte’s squad for the Euro 2016 has rated his current form five out of ten.

The 25-year-old was tipped to become one of the best players following his impressive showing for Inter Milan during the early stages of his career.

“I have not done enough in recent years. I can do much better. But it takes time. On a scale of one to 10, I have only reached five. But I will get to 10 eventually because that is my goal,” Balotelli told Corriere della Sera.

“I want to win the Ballon d’Or. Although I realise I got stuck at five out of 10 in the last two years when my goal was to get closer to 10. I know people will laugh when I say I want the Ballon d’Or. I have not done everything needed to become the best.

“But the most important thing is that I have realised my mistakes, and it is not too late yet. I don’t want to reach the end of my career thinking that I have not done everything to become the best.