Former Liverpool and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is in negotiations with Brazilian club Corinthians following his recent release from Adana Demirspor.
Balotelli’s tenure in England is more infamous for his off-field antics than his performances on the pitch. The Italian arrived in Manchester at age 20 from Inter Milan, clinching the Golden Boy Award during his first year under Roberto Mancini. However, his stint at City soon soured due to disciplinary issues, leading to his transfer to AC Milan in 2013. Liverpool then took a £16 million gamble on him two seasons later, but it backfired spectacularly. Balotelli scored only four goals in 28 appearances before returning to Milan on loan.
Following stints in France, Switzerland, and Turkey, Balotelli is now eyeing a move to South America with Corinthians, one of Brazil’s historic clubs.
Many cite Balotelli’s spell at Liverpool as one of the club’s worst transfers. The Italian was brought in to replace Luis Suarez, who had left for Barcelona in 2014. However, former Liverpool head coach Brendan Rodgers revealed in 2016 that Balotelli was not his first choice, saying. “What we wanted and needed was a player who could really press at the top end of the field. It wasn’t just a goal scorer we were after. I felt Mario was someone who wouldn’t work for us, but by the end of the summer, we were struggling to get someone who could do the role we wanted.”
Balotelli himself admitted the move to Liverpool was a mistake, telling Canal Plus after joining French club Nice in 2017, “It was the worst mistake of my life. Apart from the fans, who were fantastic with me, and the players, who I had a good rapport with, I didn’t like the club. I had two coaches, Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. As people, they didn’t make a good impression on me. I didn’t get along with them.”
Corinthians, based in Sao Paulo, are in search of a striker and have reportedly initiated contact with Balotelli. The club’s academy director, Claudinei Alves, confirmed the discussions, stating, “Corinthians are prepared to offer him a two-year contract. The president is the one who is leading talks. He wants three million euros per year and a two-year contract. Balotelli’s intention is to return to play for the Italian national team.”
If the move materializes, it will mark Balotelli’s first departure from Europe, aside from his stint in Turkey.
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