Mario Balotelli Reveals It Was His Late Father’s Dream To See Him Play For Brescia

Mario Balotelli says it was his father's dream to see him play for Brescia after he signed a deal with the newly promoted side.

The 29-year-old penned a three year contract with the club on Sunday, returning to the place he grew up as a child.

Balotelli was born in Sicily but was adopted and raised in the town of Concesio, a northern Italian province of Brescia.

He was brought up by Italian couple Silvia and Francesco Balotelli.

Balotelli spoke about how happy his mother was at the news and moments later, he paid tribute to his late father Francesco, who sadly passed away in 2015.

"My mother cried when I told her I had the possibility of coming to Brescia." Balotelli told reporters. "I asked what she thought and she was just crying. She's very happy.

"My father was from Brescia, he supported the team and it was his dream to see me play with this jersey, so I think he'd be happy too."

The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward turned down a move to Flamengo in favour of a return to Italy.

He revealed his ambition to break into the Italy squad ahead of the European Championships next year.

"I am absolutely targeting a place in the Italy squad for Euro 2020." he said.

"I spoke to Mancini when he wished me a happy birthday. Brescia is my town, so it can give me much more than other places, just as I hope to give Brescia far more than I could anywhere else."

The Italian was also asked if he fears racist abuse from supporters in Serie A stadiums.

"I hope with all my heart that we do not see a repeat of incidents that happened many, many years ago when I was last in Italy. I can't start thinking about that, though."

Let's hope Mario can push on and be a huge success under Brescia manager Eugenio Corini.