Adana Demirspor striker Mario Balotelli admits he was close to a Serie A return last week.

A move to Salernitana was close on deadline day.

Balotelli told TV Play: "Salerno's idea there was but the actual offer never reached me. It reached me at the last minute and I remained in Turkey. The matter was handled badly. I would have gone but the negotiation took too long. If a club wants you seriously, the deal can be resolved even in just one day."

On Hakan Calhanoglu, the former Inter Milan striker added: “He's not the best in the world but he's certainly among the top three. I have always been pro Calhanogku, I have always said he is very strong, but it is too early to be able to give him the license of the best in the world.

"If he plays with Modric but between him and Rodri, I choose the Turk. The pass made against Juve, from the outside, very difficult, is something incredible."