Mario Balotelli can finally get around to proving that his younger self was definitely, 100%, absolutely worth the hype that was thrust on him.
As the controversial forward joins up with the sixth club of his professional career, it feels very much like last chance saloon for the player who was once expected to take European football by storm.
On deadline day, Balotelli signed with Ligue 1 side Nice on a permanent deal from Liverpool.
The 26-year-old signs on a free transfer and Reds fans will be almost universally relieved to have him off their books after Brendan Rodgers’ gamble failed to pay off.
Nice initially wanted to take Balotelli on a season-long loan but Jurgen Klopp stood firm, not wanting to see the striker again in twelve months time, and he got his wish.
His four goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool tells you everything you need to know about Balotelli’s struggles in recent seasons.
And another interesting aspect of the Italian’s move is the fact that he will likely be denied the opportunity to sport the No. 45 jersey that he wore at the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and AC Milan.
Ligue 1 protocols, according to FootyHeadlines.com, do not allow clubs to have squad numbers above No. 30, with exceptions made only if the squad exceeds 30 players.
According to LFP’s rule number 670: “Every Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 club must establish the number assignment list on Isyfoot 72 hours before the start of the competition. This list can not exceed 30 names, the number 30 is the last in the list may be supplemented and updated with every movement in the club. If a club justifies employment of over 30 professional players under contract, the board may grant an exception to the preceding paragraph.”
Whatever number he wears in France, Liverpool fans likely won’t care.
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