Agent: Serie A return ‘difficult’ for Balotelli | OneFootball

Mario Balotelli’s agent Enzo Raiola admits that the striker’s return to Serie A is ‘difficult’ after a negative spell at Genoa: ‘We’ll consider other options.’

Balotelli is available as a free agent after his contract with Genoa expired in June.

The Italian striker signed for Il Grifone in October, but only made six appearances under Patrick Vieira.

Balotelli unlikely to return to Serie A

Mario Balotelli of OGC Nice reacts during the French Ligue 1 soccer match between OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille, at the Allianz Riviera stadium, in Nice, France, 21 October 2018. EPA-EFE/SEBASTIEN NOGIER

“Last year, he made a decision from the heart and for his life, choosing to stay in Italy, hoping to find a club. In the end, there was an opportunity, but things didn’t go as he hoped,” Raiola told DerbyDerbyDerby.

“Mario has always had many offers from abroad and still does, but at this point, it’s difficult for him to return to Serie A, especially after this last experience, which wasn’t positive.”

Why Balotelli flopped at Genoa

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Mario Balotelli of Genoa looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa and Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 21, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

What didn’t work at Marassi for the 34-year-old?

“It wasn’t because of a lack of commitment,” said Raiola.

“He gave everything to prove his worth, but he didn’t find the right conditions. I told him last year that he should consider offers from abroad, which were significant. He chose Italy, and I respected his decision. Today, there are no negotiations underway for him in Italy. We’ll consider other options, but a final decision is up to him.”

Genoa wasn’t the only option for Balotelli last year.

“There was a discussion with Torino’s ownership to assess the feasibility, but Genoa moved quickly and Mario accepted their offer,” Raiola concluded.

Balotelli has played for several Serie A clubs in his career, including Inter and Milan.

Genoa’s Mario Balotelli in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match Parma Calcio vs Genoa CFC at Ennio Tardini stadium in Parma, Italy, 04 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

He has netted 52 goals in 147 appearances in Italy’s top flight.

The Italian striker also played for Manchester City and Liverpool, scoring 21 goals in 70 league appearances in England.

Balotelli made his senior Italy debut in 2010 and scored 14 goals in 36 international appearances.

His trophy cabinet includes a Champions League and three Serie A titles with Inter and one Premier League title with Manchester City.