This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Mario Balotelli has been branded as ordinary and a player by his former team-mate Adel Taarabt, and is unlikely to make a return to Internazionale in January, according to the club’s vice-president, Javier Zanetti..

The 24-year-old Liverpool forward has failed to make an impact since moving to Anfield from Milan over the summer and has been linked with a move back to Italy.

Inter are keen to strengthen their attacking line in the winter transfer market but Zanetti told Sky Italia: “A Balotelli return? We all know Mario is a great player but I think it’s difficult because he only just arrived at Liverpool.

“In any case, after our game against Lazio [on 21 December] we will hold meetings to see what we can do and what is needed in terms of the [transfer] market.”

Balotelli has scored only two goals in his 14 appearances for Liverpool. Speaking to Italian TV channel Sky Italia, Taarabt said: “Balotelli? Everyone told me he was amazing and I played with him and I can say he is strong but he didn’t seem to me as though he was world class.

“He is an ordinary player, not a phenomenon.”

Taarabt added: “He is someone who has a strong shot but he doesn’t play for the team. And if he does, he doesn’t score as is the case right now at Liverpool.

“He’s had so many chances, from [Manchester] City to Milan, and he’s thrown them away.”

A return to San Siro would see the Italy international reunited with Roberto Mancini, who coached Balotelli at Inter and Manchester City.

Mancini, who took the reins at Inter last month for a second spell in charge, admitted after Monday’s 2-0 win at Chievo that there was a need for his side to bolster their attack. “In certain roles in attack we are lacking,” Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport. “The club are aware of this but in January it will not be easy.”

Balotelli came through the ranks at Inter before being sold to Manchester City in 2010.