Mario Balotelli is hoping his loan move back to AC Milan enables him to realize a wish of his recently deceased adoptive father: to play for Italy again at next year's European Championship.

Balotelli's season-long loan from Liverpool was made official Thursday.

Balotelli says "I want to play in the European Championship and I'll do everything I can to do so. Seeing me in the national team shirt was one of my father's desires before he died. I owe it to him, too."

Francesco Balotelli died last month.

Balotelli has fallen out of favour with Italy coach Antonio Conte after scoring only one Premier League goal in his year at Liverpool.

His form last season was a far cry from when he led Italy to the final of Euro 2012.