Mario Balotelli has been cleared of all wrongdoing after a 16-year-old girl accused him of rape in Nice, when he had counter-accused her of an extortion plot.

The incident occurred in July 2017 when the former Italy international was playing for OGC Nice.

He insisted they had met when she was on vacation and they had consensual sex, after which she phoned him asking for €100,000.

Balotelli went to police and complained about the attempted extortion three weeks before she and her lawyer filed a complaint.

The Italian authorities in his home town of Brescia have now closed the case, as any accusation of misconduct by Balotelli was “unfounded.”

His lawyer commented on the verdict to news agency ANSA.

“Balotelli is satisfied, as this was an unacceptable and insulting accusation. It’s a pity for the girl, who proved herself to be an instrument in the hands of an adult without scruples.”

Witnesses and recordings of the telephone conversation with Balotelli showed a ‘machination’ to extort money, ruled the judge.

Balotelli turned 31 today and is now playing for Turkish side Adana Demirspor.

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