Often ranked among the most controversial players in football history, Mario Balotelli is set to continue his adventure as a professional footballer by joining a new club.
Mario Balotelli, 35, is set to complete a transfer to the 14th club of his career as he closes in on a switch to Al-Ittifaq FC of Dubai.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has been a free agent since he left Italian side Genoa over the summer. Balotelli signed for the Serie A outfit on a season-long deal last October but did not stay there long.
Balotelli failed to make an impact at Genoa as he made just six league appearances, all of which came from the bench.
Mario Balotelli during his short spell at Genoa. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
During his short spell with the Seria A outfit, the 35-year-old was unable to hit the back of the net having managed just two shots across 57 minutes of action.
Balotelli is now set for a new adventure with Al-Ittifaq FC in Dubai. Report claim the Italian forward will sign a two-and-a-half year deal in the Middle East.
The former Manchester City forward is set to jet to Dubai on Friday to confirm the deal, and he’ll be registered with the Emirati side from January 12.
Al-Ittifaq FC ply their trade in the UAE First Division, one below the UAE Pro League. They’ve made a poor start to the season and sit bottom with just two wins and six points from their opening 11 matches.
The club have scored just six league goals this season, so they’ll hope the addition of Balotelli will boost their chances of avoiding a bottom-placed finish and relegation to the third tier.
Al-Ittifaq FC is owned by Italian Pietro Laterza, who also owns Serie D side Chievo.
