Nice boss Patrick Vieira says ‘it’s a shame that Mario Balotelli wants to spoil the two beautiful years he had here’.
Balotelli failed to report for preseason with Nice, amidst mounting speculation that he will sign for Ligue 1 rivals Olympique Marseille, and Vieira accepts the Italy striker is history at the Allianz Riviera.
“It’s a surprise for me,” the former Juventus midfielder told Nice Matin.
Nice boss Patrick Vieira says ‘it’s a shame that Mario Balotelli wants to spoil the two beautiful years he had here’.
Balotelli failed to report for preseason with Nice, amidst mounting speculation that he will sign for Ligue 1 rivals Olympique Marseille, and Vieira accepts the Italy striker is history at the Allianz Riviera.
“It’s a surprise for me,” the former Juventus midfielder told Nice Matin.
“I was on the phone to him a few weeks ago and we had an appointment for his return. Unfortunately, he’s not here.
“It’s a shame because he had two beautiful years here, he built a very good relationship with the club and fans, so it’s a shame that it’s ended like this.
“If he wants to go somewhere else, it’s football and there are no problems, but it’s a shame that he wants to spoil the two beautiful years he had here.
“Players like Seri and Le Marchand were here, and even though it was difficult for them because they had a part of their spirit elsewhere, they still worked hard and respected the club.
“They left by saying goodbye to everyone. The club and fans thank them for everything they did here.
“It’s a shame that it won’t end like that for Mario. Now we’ll look ahead.”