Former Italy international Mario Balotelli is back in the news after FC Sion were relegated, the club admit it was ‘a mistake’ signing him amid reports of drunken brawling.
The centre-forward will turn 33 in August and is still under contract with the Swiss club until June 2024, but is unlikely to remain now that his team has lost the relegation play-off.
Speaking to the media, director of sport Barth Constantin confessed the very idea of bringing Balotelli to the club was disastrous.
“It was a mistake signing Balotelli and I admit I was totally wrong on him. The arrival of a player like this brought enthusiasm, it was the soap opera of the summer.
“He should’ve allowed us to take a step forward with 20 goals. Unfortunately, he only scored five and did not put in the performances we expected.”
According to a report from Swiss media Blick, the problems extended well off the field too.
It is reported the problems started in the winter training camp in Marbella in December, when it’s alleged Balotelli urged his teammates to bring women back to their hotel room.
Blick claim he was drunk at the team hotel during the same training camp, then refused to come on in the second half of a match in May when Sion were losing 3-0.
Even more shocking, the report states Balotelli was wearing a disguise during a carnival celebration, but was still recognised and went to punch someone, but by mistake ended up striking director of sport Constantin instead.