Alex Ferguson reveals he flirted with the idea of signing `risky` Balotelli

Johannesburg, Sept. 23 : Former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has revealed that he had thought of bringing in Mario Balotelli to Old Trafford in 2010, before his contacts in the game warned him about the controversial Italian striker.

“In 2010, I briefly flirted with the idea of signing Mario Balotelli, the talented but controversial Italian striker,” Ferguson wrote in his new book ‘Leading’.

“I did my homework on him, speaking to a few Italian contacts, but the feedback I got confirmed it was too big a risk.”

Balotelli then moved to United’ local rival Manchester City and helped them win a Premier League title during 2011-12, Sport24 reported.

The maverick striker is currently on season-long loan at AC Milan after enduring a disappointing spell at Liverpool last year. (ANI)