Milan: AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli hit out at his critics a day before the struggling Serie A giants host in-form Atletico Madrid. Balotelli made partial amends for a string of mediocre performances for Clarence Seedorf's side with a stunning long-range strike which sealed a late 1-0 win against Bologna on Friday.


AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Pic/Getty Images 

It came in timely fashion, only days ahead of the first leg of a Champions League Last 16 tie against Diego Simeone's Spanish title chasers. Balotelli hopes it has silenced his detractors before a game in which Milan, going on recent statistics, are the underdogs.