The 69-year-old believes the transformation in the striker's behaviour on and off the pitch is down to the fact he supported the club as a boy
AC Milan hitman Mario Balotelli has become a better professional on and off the field since joining the club because he is living his boyhood dream, according to CEO Adriano Galliani.

The 23-year-old joined the Rossoneri in January following a turbulent three-year spell with Manchester City, where the Italy international regularly made headlines for incidents both on the pitch and in his private life.

However, the former Inter starlet appears to be fulfilling his potential under coach Massimiliano Allegri after netting 15 times in his first 19 appearances, and Galliani believes the transformation is down to the striker being allowed to fulfil lifetime ambition at the club.

"Balotelli is fantastic and happy," the 69-year-old told reporters.

"I don't want to talk about sentiment all the time, but I think Mario is performing better on and off the field because he is playing for the club he supported as a child. It's a mental thing." ------------------- goal.com