Mario Balotelli Does Lap Of Thanks After Final Nice Home Appearance

Mario Balotelli normally makes the headlines for either goalscoring or, far more likely, his off and on pitch antics but this time Balotelli took the time to say goodbye to all the fans at Nice after his final home match for the Ligue 1 side.

In many ways we miss the days when Balotelli would constantly hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons, whether it was an inability to put on a bib, nearly blowing up his bathroom with fireworks, arguing with managers or stealing penalties there was never a dull moment.

The Italian has spent the last two seasons in France with Nice and he's become a real Nice guy in his time there. The negative headlines have largely been forgotten and he's bagged 33 goals in 50 appearances in Ligue 1, good going.

Om Sunday night Nice played their final home game of the season, with just an away game against Lyon next week to play, and Balotelli helped them to a 4-1 win over Caen with a brace in the opening 10 minutes.

After the game Balotelli, whose contract is up in the summer, took time to thank all of the fans and said, "We are all going clubbing tonight."

Recently the Italian's agent Mino Raiola hinted at a return to his homeland or back to the Premier League, saying, "Mario is ready to return, he has matured into one of the top 10 strikers in the world. In Italy he's number one. He's worth €100 million (£88m), but he's on a free transfer and is therefore a bargain.

"I'm negotiating with many clubs in England and in Italy. I've spoken with Juventus, Roma, Napoli and Inter."

The latest rumour about the former Inter forward though is a move to the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. According to Mediaset Premium Nice boss Lucien Favre is in the running to be next manager of Dortmund and he could take Balo with him.

Balotelli's time at Liverpool didn't go well. Image: PA Images

The 27 year old has been out of the Italy team for sometime but will be hoping to return in the friendlies at the end of this month with Roberto Mancini having signed a deal to become the country's international boss.

Mancini was manager of Balotelli at both Inter Milan and Manchester City and the pair won the Premier League together.

Where will Balo end up next?

Topics: Football News, Ligue 1, Mario Balotelli, France

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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