Coach Isaac Opeele Boateng is still adamant the Black Stars have lost a world class striker in Mario Balotelli.

The eccentric 21 year old born of Ghanaian parents in Italy turned done endless requests from his own father, the Ghana Football Association and indeed Ghanaians at large to play for the national team.

Mario instead opted for Italy and has featured for the Azzuri but one of Ghana’s leading coaches is still reeling to come to terms with the loss of the hugely talented but controversial goal poacher.

Opeele told ALL SPORTS: “Mario Balotelli is a classic striker, he knows where the goal is and is strong with both feet and head.

“Look at the (first) goal he scored against Manchester United on Sunday, pure class.

“I tell you he is a very big loss to Ghana because he would have added a whole lot to the Black Stars attacking power. He is a big big loss to us.”