Mario Balotelli 'begged' Zlatan Ibrahimovic to join Manchester City

Balotelli has been linked with a return to Italy (AP)

AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic has welcomed comments from Manchester City frontman Mario Balotelli that he would like to link up with the Sweden international.

Former Inter Milan starlet Balotelli only moved to England a matter of months ago, but continues to be linked with a quickfire return to his homeland.

He had earlier told the Gazzetta dello Sport: “One day I'd like to come back playing with Ibrahimovic and I'm not bothered which shirt it is in.”

Ibrahimovic added after scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over La Viola: “I am very pleased that Mario wants to play with me. In the summer he called me every day begging me to join him at Manchester City.

“He is a great player and will do well in the Premier League, but if he wants to play with me then he’ll have to come to Milan.

“I would love him to be here, but calling me won’t be enough, he needs to call (vice-president) Adriano Galliani and reach an agreement.”