Mario Balotelli would rejoin Manchester City for free

  • Mario Balotelli says he is still hoping to play for one of Europe’s big clubs again
  • The Italian striker has spent the last 18 months playing with Nice in Ligue 1
  • Balotelli says his time playing for Manchester City were the ‘best years’ of his life 

Mario Balotelli has claimed he would return to Manchester City ‘for free’ after describing the three years he spent at the club were the best of his footballing career.

The Italian striker was still threatening to fulfill his incredible talent when he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2010, but was sold to Milan after a series of off-field indiscretions in 2013. 

Despite being remembered more for his controversy rather than his goals, Balotelli still won an FA Cup and a Premier League title with Manchester City and says he hopes they can relive his success under Pep Guardiola this season. 

Mario Balotelli is hoping to exchange Ligue 1 club Nice for a ‘big club’ in the near future

The striker says he would happily rejoin Manchester City 'for free' if they came calling

The striker says he would happily rejoin Manchester City ‘for free’ if they came calling

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I love City, the fans and the club. I’d happily go back there for free. It was the best year of my life, even if the city is a little difficult to live in.

‘In football terms, City was spectacular. I am so happy they are going strong with Pep Guardiola and hope they win the title with 20 games to spare.’ 

After 18 months with Ligue 1 outfit Nice, the 27-year-old is pining for his days at a big European club and admits he would like to play with a ‘strong squad’ behind him in the near future. 

The Italian has scored 15 goals for Nice in all competitions including 10 in Ligue 1

The Italian has scored 15 goals for Nice in all competitions including 10 in Ligue 1

The Italy striker added: ‘I called my agent and asked, ‘What am I doing in January?’ He said he didn’t know. I want to remain, so we’ll see. 

‘Admittedly, I would like to get back to having a strong squad behind me. I want to play in the Champions League and win something. The aim is to go back to a big club. To win something important again.

‘I am certainly not thinking about the end of my career yet. I am 27 years old, so I can play another six or seven years at the top level.’ 

Balotelli has certainly been in impressive form for Nice so far this season and may have done enough to attract the interest of Champions League clubs. He has 15 goals to show for himself in all competitions, including 10 in Ligue 1. 



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