Milan attacker Mario Balotelli is certainly feeling optimistic about his team's situation these days.
The 23-year-old was speaking at a launch event for PUMA and feels that new manager Clarence Seedorf has what it takes in order to inspire the team that he himself represented for a decade, winning the Champions League twice in 2003 and 2007.
"I'm really pleased that he's come [back to Milan]," the Italian international enthused.
"It's perfectly normal that during a time of change, things can be pretty confusing. But, he's someone that has won everything as a player and inspires confidence, so it's very easy to listen to him. He also has fantastic, clear ideas, and hopefully things will go well for us."
However, Balotelli was quick to point out that he wasn't making a jab at previous coach Massimiliano Allegri, adding, "I don't know why it didn't work out [with Allegri], but he did very well in his time here and we're happy with what he did".
Mutual respect = positive results on the pitch? Balotelli salutes Seedorf after scoring vs. Verona
The enigmatic forward didn't stop there, however. Fresh off coming off successful at the Gran Galà del Calcio earlier this week, where he picked up a prize for one of the best attackers, he has set the bar higher on an even more lofty personal accolade: the Ballon d'Or.
Despite admitting that he would like to win the coveted prize someday, Balotelli did concede that even four-time winner Lionel Messi had to put his team first.
Victorious in Italy...
...to joining the likes of Messi?
Only time will tell...
