MARIO BALOTELLI has seen his career plumb new depths… by linking up with a FOURTH DIVISION club.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker, 30, has not kicked a ball since March.
Mario Balotelli is training with Sporting Franciacorta to keep his fitness levels upCredit: AP:Associated Press
Brescia released Italy international Balo following their relegation from Serie A during the summer.
He has since failed to find any takers for his services, despite being linked to a series of clubs.
Genoa, Serie C Como, Brazilian giants Flamengo and Romanians CFR Cluj have all been credited with interest in the 30-year-old.
But Balotelli has now joined Sporting Franciacorta as he attempts to keep up his fitness.
The amateur Serie D club is based a stone’s throw from his Brescia home.
Franciacorta director of football Eugenio Bianchini, a pal of Balotelli’s brother Enock, invited the controversial player to train with them.
Their striker Alessandro Bertazzoli is also a friend of former Inter, AC Milan, Nice and Marseille ace Balotelli.
Lombardy-based Franciacorta is better known for its wine industry than its football.
And the club’s little-known players could be forgiven for thinking they’d drunk too much local produce when fallen superstar Balo rolled up at training earlier this week.
Balotelli was also linked with a move back to the Premier League before the transfer window closed.
Watford were reportedly interested in signing the controversial Italian star.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk