Inter striker Mario Balotelli claims that he told current Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo that he would one day surpass him in footballing terms.

The two came up against each other in a Champions League round of 16 clash last season when the Nerazzurri lost out to Manchester United over two legs.

“I asked for Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey and he told me he already gave it to someone else,” Balotelli explained to Le Iene.

“I replied, ‘I will become stronger than you.’”

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old continues to endure a fractious relationship with coach Jose Mourinho, who has criticised the player for his attitude and work rate on occasions this season.

“Mourinho and I quarrel often, but he loves me,” he joked.

During a 1-0 win over Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia, Mourinho pointed out Balotelli’s mistake when he reportedly lost a contact lens and then did not track back to provide defensive cover.

“I had a cut near my eye,” he continued.

“The coach was angry because I did not run back, not because of anything else. Fortunately, we did not concede a goal or else I would have been dead.”

Balotelli put in a good performance this past weekend, grabbing an assist and a goal in the 3-2 victory over Udinese.

Source: Goal.com