Mario Balotelli is back training with the rest of the Nice squad, after initially failing to turn up for pre-season.
The striker was wanted by Marseille, and agent Mino Raiola publicly declared that his client was available on a free transfer.
Mario Balotelli is back training with the rest of the Nice squad, after initially failing to turn up for pre-season.
The striker was wanted by Marseille, and agent Mino Raiola publicly declared that his client was available on a free transfer.
However, he actually had one year left on his contract with Les Aiglons, and L’Équipe reported this week that l’OM won’t pay the €10m transfer fee, Super Mario’s wages and the hefty commission Raiola wants.
Balotelli had agreed terms and was effectively on strike to force through the move, allegedly on Raiola's advice, but it seems Marseille have pulled the plug on the deal.
That left the Italian international with no choice but to return to training with Nice, though initially he worked away from the group.
Today though he has taken part in the session with the rest of his teammates, indicating that he may well stay at the Allianz Riviera stadium for the coming Ligue 1 season.
Ce lundi matin, Mario #Balotelli a repris l'entrainement avec le groupe à l’occasion de la première séance de la semaine, sous la direction de Patrick Vieira. pic.twitter.com/JCLcQG6tXP
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) July 30, 2018