Balotelli: I was ready to sign for Barcelona before Inter Milan move

Former Italy striker Mario Balotelli has revealed he almost signed for Barcelona as a junior.

Now with Adana Demispor, former Manchester City and Inter Milan striker Balotelli admits he spent six months in the La Masia academy.

He told TVPlay: "I dreamed of playing at Barcelona when I was little.

"Before going to Inter, I spent six months there. I was to sign with the Blaugrana club, but the president of Lumezzane asked for a lot of money for my transfer and Barcelona didn't want to pay too much for a player who wasn't from Cataluyna.

"I trained with Alcantara, Dos Santos... We were all together. Then after 3-4 months (Massimo) Moratti called and I went to Inter."