Balotelli: I feel like a loser

The Italian has returned to the peninsula from Brazil after a thigh injury ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.

“I feel like a loser having to leave like this,” the 22-year-old commented. “I would have wanted to stay here.

“However, there is a Champions League preliminary game on the horizon and I therefore need to be treated for that.

“Saying that, I’m sure my international teammates will continue to do well without me.”

The former Manchester City player scored against Mexico and Japan as the Azzurri booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

He picked up the problem in the loss to Brazil which has made him unavailable for the semi with Spain, as well as the weekend’s Third/Fourth play-off or Final tie.

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is now expected to turn to Bologna striker Alberto Gilardino after Roma’s Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was left at home for disciplinary reasons.

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