Mario Balotelli has voiced his sadness at leaving Inter but feels the move will benefit his career.
City new boy relishing new adventure
Mario Balotelli has voiced his sadness at leaving Inter Milan but feels the move to Manchester City will benefit his career.
Balotelli completed a big-money move to Eastlands on Friday after enduring a difficult final year with Inter.
His relationship with Jose Mourinho became strained and he found it difficult to hold down a regular place in the starting XI.
The 20-year-old regrets the way his Inter career unfolded but feels he had no choice but to move away from the Italian spotlight.
"Soon I'll be starting on a new adventure," he wrote on his
personal website. "I'm sorry that I'm leaving Inter and Italy because I would have preferred to continue my professional career in my own country.
"I'm going where I hope to find the space I need to play which is very important to me: I need to play, to make mistakes, to learn and to play again. As well as a calm environment around me.
"It's been a difficult year. I've recognised my mistakes, but I think I've often been under pressure and on the receiving end of criticism that at times has irritated me."
Grateful
Balotelli is grateful to Inter for everything they have done for him as he turns his attention to a fresh challenge.
"Now all I'm thinking about is playing well for my new club and in the Premier League. I really want to give it my best try," he said.
"I'd like to thank my family, who have supported me with so much patience and affection, through both the good times and the difficult periods.
"I also want to thank club chairman (Massimo) Moratti, the team I've shared so many victories with, the fans who've supported me, my entourage and my friends."
