Mario Balotelli facing uncertain future after running out of options

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Mario Balotelli is expected to return to Liverpool this summer after his loan spell with AC Milan ends, but where he goes next is unclear.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher has revealed this week that he is “praying” that the club are able to sell him, as reported by The Express, with Jurgen Klopp unlikely to have a place for the Italian striker in his squad.

In turn, it raises the question as to who will give the former Inter and Manchester City star a chance to fulfil his potential, with Milan arguably running out of patience too.

The season started well for the 25-year-old, as he arrived back at the San Siro and showed the type of desire and determination that had been missing at times previously.

As he threatened to finally find his place and prove to Sinisa Mihajlovic that he was ready to step up and be counted, a troublesome injury kept him sidelined for almost five months and forced him to cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines.

Unfortunately, it appears as though that spell in the treatment room has disrupted his momentum, as aside from two goals in the Coppa Italia semi-final tie with lowly Alessandria, his goal at Udinese in September remains his only effort in Serie A in 13 appearances.

Mihajlovic attempted to kick-start his season again by giving him a chance in his starting line-up against Sassuolo on Sunday, but again Balotelli failed to have the type of influence on the game that many believe he is capable of.

While it might seem slightly harsh on the Italian international to just dismiss his future entirely, the question must be asked as to which coach will give him another opportunity.

Lucrative offers from China, the Middle East and MLS are likely to arrive this summer, but does the star man of Euro 2012 cut his losses and move out of Europe so soon in his career?

For those that have followed Balotelli’s career since his Inter days, it has been a frustrating process to see him fall short of reaching his full potential. After being handed so many chances, it unfortunately looks as though the doors are starting to close and it is unclear as to where he goes from here.