(ANSA) - Rome, March 8 - Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli
got embroiled in a verbal tussle with Matteo Salvini after the
Northern League leader directed derogatory comments at a former
teammate - AC Milan's Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari.
"Immigrants who work well are welcome," Salvini, whose
rightwing party adopts hardline positions on migrants, said on
his Facebook page at the weekend.
"So Muntari can go back home".
Balotelli, who has Ghanaian roots, jumped to Muntari's
defence.
"Can this person be serious when he says such things,"
said the 24-year forward, who has scored 13 goals in 33
appearances for Italy, via his Instagram account.
"And yet, he's a politician. In that case, vote for me -
it's better".
Salvini's hit straight back.
"If Balotelli does politics like he plays soccer, he'd
better leave well alone," Salvini told his party's radio
station, Radio Padania.
"It annoys me to see Muntari play because he's no good. He
could be tall and blond with blue eyes. It wouldn't make any
difference".
Balotelli tussles with League leader Salvini
Liverpool defends former team mate Muntari