Italian football icon Mario Balotelli has agreed to a two-year contract with Genoa, marking his return to Serie A.
Renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on his social media account.
According to Romano, Balotelli had his heart set on joining Genoa, accepting a reduced salary to make the move happen.
The 34-year-old striker has been without a club since departing Turkish side Adana Demirspor earlier this year.
Romano wrote on his Instagram: “Mario Balotelli to Genoa, here we go! Deal in place to sign Italian striker on contract valid until June 2025.”
Romano revealed that Balotelli had been waiting 20 days for the deal to materialize, having spoken extensively with Genoa’s Alberto Gilardino.
He added: “Balotelli has been waiting for 20 days as he only wanted Genoa, he spoke several times to Alberto Gilardino…and now joins as free agent on reduced salary.”
Genoa, struggling in Serie A, hope Balotelli’s arrival will boost their attacking fortunes. The team have managed just seven goals in eight matches and are winless in their last five encounters.
Meanwhile, the Italian game maestro Balotelli brings extensive experience, having played for Inter Milan and AC Milan in Italy.
During his recent stint with Adana Demirspor, he scored seven goals in 16 matches.
Mario Balotelli Speaks On Triumphant Return to Serie A
Former Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli is poised to make a sensational comeback to Serie A, sparking excitement among fans.
According to the Daily Mail, Balotelli expressed his eagerness to return to the Italian league. In a recent Twitch stream with Enerix, Balotelli passionately asserted his determination to “smash” Serie A upon his return.
When compared to Joel Pohjanpalo, who plays for Venezia, Balotelli took umbrage, emphasizing his illustrious past achievements.
Balotelli, known for his bluntness retorted: “What the f*** are you saying?” “Just because I wasn’t in Serie A, what I did doesn’t count? F*** off, you and Serie A.”
The 34-year-old vowed, saying: “It’s a promise, I’ll smash Serie A when I sign, I’ll smash this f****** Serie A.”
Balotelli’s last Serie A stint was with Brescia in the 2019-20 season. Having played for 11 clubs, including Liverpool, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, the 34-year-old joins Genoa with bags of experience.
Balotelli’s club stint
In 2005, Balotelli began his professional club career at Lumezzane. He then went on to join Inter Milan in 2007, where he won the treble in 2010 before transferring to Manchester City later that year.
After a brief stint back in Italy with AC Milan in January 2013, he returned to the Premier League with Liverpool 18 months later.
Following a loan back to Milan, he moved to France to play for Nice and Marseille in Ligue 1. Balotelli then made a third return to Italy, signing with Serie A club Brescia in the summer of 2019, before moving to Serie B club Monza in late 2020.
Afterward, he signed with a Turkish side Adana Demirspor the following summer.
Balotelli’s surprise move to Genoa marks a new chapter in his illustrious career, as he seeks to revive the club’s fortunes in Serie A.
Meanwhile, fans eagerly anticipate Balotelli’s impact on the league. At 34 years old, do you believe Balotelli will live up to his bold promises? Please, share your thoughts with us in the comment box below
