I ran to join Milan, says Mario Balotelli

London: Mario Balotelli says he has wanted to join AC Milan for a long time after completing his move from Manchester City.

The Italy striker had fallen out of favour at Manchester City and said that joining the Rossoneri is something that has long been a dream and expressed his delight at making the move a reality. “I`d wanted to play for Milan for such a long time, but I played for other teams as the opportunity to play for them had not yet arisen,” he told the club’s official TV channel. “Whenever there was a chance, I ran. The beginning to the season for me was negative [with Man City]. With this shirt I will do better. “I come here with the hope of doing well again. The fans just want me to do well and I hope that I can return the favour. I did not start the season very well with City. “I already knew this was the place I wanted to go. I hope my choice makes Milan great again.” Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani revealed that the signing of Balotelli is a “dream” capture for the side and a transfer that everyone connected with the club wanted to see come to fruition. He said: “Balotelli in Rossoneri is a dream that has been realised. It is a transfer that everyone wanted: club, president and fans.” It is understood a fee of €23.4 million has been agreed by both Milan and City. Goal.com