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.
Mario Balotelli scores Italian football’s first goal of the decade for second time in career with strike vs Lazio for Brescia
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk