The Italian was ready to lure his compatriot to Ligue 1, but eventually opted to sign the Sweden international instead because he was the “safer” option

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he nearly signed Mario Balotelli during his time in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.

Ancelotti was desperate to lure a high-profile attacker to Paris ahead of his second season in charge of PSG and he had earmarked Balotelli as a potential signing.

Nevertheless, he eventually opted against bringing the current Liverpool striker to Parc des Princes when the opportunity arose to sign the “safer” option Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“Would I sign Balotelli? I actually tried to sign him at Paris Saint-Germain,” Ancelotti was quoted as saying by La Repubblica.

“He had just impressed at Euro 2012 with Italy.

“But then the opportunity to sign Ibrahimovic came up. We decided to go for the safer option.”

Balotelli would eventially leave Manchester City for AC Milan, before joining Liverpool ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.

The Italy international has so far struggled to make an impact at Anfield, but Ancelotti is confident he will eventually come good.

“Mario has to find a place to feel at ease. I have no doubt that he will succeed in the end. But it all depends on himself.”

The 24-year-old has netted two goals in 14 games in all competitions so far this season.