Balotelli made partial amends for a string of mediocre performances for Clarence Seedorf’s side with a stunning long-range strike which sealed a late 1-0 win against Bologna on Friday.
It came in timely fashion, only days ahead of the first leg of a Champions League last 16 tie against Diego Simeone’s Spanish title chasers.
Balotelli hopes it has silenced his detractors for a game for which Milan, going on recent statistics, are the underdogs.
‘I criticise myself enough, so when I hear it coming from other people I get really fed up,’ the 23-year-old said.
Atletico, who are pushing Barcelona and Real Madrid for command of La Liga, are firm favourites for a win that would boost their quarter-final chances ahead of the return leg at the Vicente Calderon in a fortnight.
However, Balotelli says he is spurred on by the chance to make partial amends for Italy’s last final defeat at a major international tournament.
Balotelli admits the ‘Rioja’ are a tough nut to crack but added: ‘Their national side is a little difficult to beat, but maybe we can start (avenging) by beating a Spanish club side.
‘Games like tomorrow’s are different, but the objective remains the same: like having the determination to win and helping the team reach that objective.’ Seedorf, meanwhile, admitted earlier this week that Atletico will be formidable opponents. ‘I hope tomorrow we will reap what we have sown over the past weeks,’ said he.
Atletico midfielder Garcia agrees new deal
MADRID: Atletico Madrid have rewarded in-form midfielder Raul Garcia with a three-year contract extension to the end of June 2018, the club said on Monday. Garcia, 27, has got 14 goals this term in all competitions, helping keep Atletico’s La Liga challenge alive with several standout performances and propelling them to the King’s Cup semi-finals, where they went out to Real Madrid last week. ‘Now all we have to do is keep working to achieve our goals with the group,’ Garcia said on Atletico’s website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com). ‘Things are going very well and we are working to keep it going for a long time,’ he added.
It came in timely fashion, only days ahead of the first leg of a Champions League last 16 tie against Diego Simeone’s Spanish title chasers.
Balotelli hopes it has silenced his detractors for a game for which Milan, going on recent statistics, are the underdogs.
‘I criticise myself enough, so when I hear it coming from other people I get really fed up,’ the 23-year-old said.
Atletico, who are pushing Barcelona and Real Madrid for command of La Liga, are firm favourites for a win that would boost their quarter-final chances ahead of the return leg at the Vicente Calderon in a fortnight.
However, Balotelli says he is spurred on by the chance to make partial amends for Italy’s last final defeat at a major international tournament.
Balotelli admits the ‘Rioja’ are a tough nut to crack but added: ‘Their national side is a little difficult to beat, but maybe we can start (avenging) by beating a Spanish club side.
‘Games like tomorrow’s are different, but the objective remains the same: like having the determination to win and helping the team reach that objective.’ Seedorf, meanwhile, admitted earlier this week that Atletico will be formidable opponents. ‘I hope tomorrow we will reap what we have sown over the past weeks,’ said he.
Atletico midfielder Garcia agrees new deal
MADRID: Atletico Madrid have rewarded in-form midfielder Raul Garcia with a three-year contract extension to the end of June 2018, the club said on Monday. Garcia, 27, has got 14 goals this term in all competitions, helping keep Atletico’s La Liga challenge alive with several standout performances and propelling them to the King’s Cup semi-finals, where they went out to Real Madrid last week. ‘Now all we have to do is keep working to achieve our goals with the group,’ Garcia said on Atletico’s website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com). ‘Things are going very well and we are working to keep it going for a long time,’ he added.