Mario Balotelli undergoes medical ahead of Milan return

Maverick striker Mario Balotelli was undergoing a medical at AC Milan on Tuesday ahead of an expected move on loan from Liverpool, the Serie A club said.

“I’m happy to be back,” said the Italy forward who spent 18 months at Milan before his move to Liverpool one year ago.

“I don’t have much to say because I am waiting just to train,” he told reporters. “Physically, I’m in pretty good shape, I just have to train with the team.

“I have so much motivation, but I have to work and not talk,” he added. “I always had Milan in my heart and I have always hoped to return. I must begin to work and have a good season, I have to work and nothing else. “

Balotelli had a relatively successful and uneventful spell in Milan, scoring 18 goals in 41 Serie A appearances in one-and-a-half seasons.

There were still some misdemeanors, however.

Temper

On one occasion, he lost his temper in front of the cameras after his performance was criticised by Italian television pundits, telling his interviewers that they did not understand football and throwing his microphone down.

He was also booked for making a vulgar gesture at Cagliari supporters, served two three-match bans, one of which was for insulting a match official, and was caught smoking in the toilet of a high-speed train by a ticket collector.

Meanwhile Juan Cuadrado is also expected to complete a return to Serie A on Tuesday by signing for Juventus from Chelsea.

The 27-year-old Colombia forward was undergoing a medical in Turin ahead of an anticipated season-long loan and whether there is an option for the move to become permanent remains to be seen.

He moved to Stamford Bridge from Fiorentina in February, but made a limited impact as the Blues won the Capital One Cup and Barclays Premier League title.

“We all know that Juve is a great club, among the best teams in Europe. They have everything to win the Scudetto (Serie A),” Cuadrado said on the club’s official website.

“I hope I can give Juventus my best, 100 per cent. I didn’t expect to receive such a warm welcome from the fans in Italy but they have always welcomed me with open arms and that makes me very happy.

“The fans’ support will give me further motivation to do well.”

Speculation

Cuadrado was one of Colombia's star players at last year's World Cup but has failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since moving from Fiorentina.

He signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea but it seems the club are already willing to allow him to play elsewhere after four Premier League starts.

It will inevitably lead to suggestions France midfielder Paul Pogba will make the switch in the opposite direction, with a move in excess of £60m spoken of.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho refused to discuss Pogba last Friday and the Cuadrado switch appears independent of any negotiations for the former Manchester United midfielder.

Whether anything materialises over Pogba remains to be seen, but the rumours remain.

Cuadrado is excited at the prospect of playing for Juve, who won the Italian double — Serie A and Coppa Italia — in the 2014-15 campaign and finished runners-up to Barcelona in the Champions League.

He is eager to win another league title.

“The league has only started and we hope we can defend the title,” he added.

“I want to prepare well for every game and then the coach will decide. I just have to work hard and play my game.”

Juve, coached by Massimiliano Allegri, began their Serie A title defence with a 1-0 defeat at home to Udinese on Sunday and take on last season's runners-up Roma at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.

Chelsea's Egypt winger Mohamed Salah, who moved to Fiorentina on loan as part of the Cuadrado deal, is now on loan at Roma.