Mario Balotelli has been slammed by Nice manager Patrick Vieira after the Italy striker failed to show for pre-season.
Balotelli who is expected to join Marseille in the coming days failed to rejoin Nice teammates angering Vieira who had harsh words for the striker.
”I got him on the phone a few weeks ago and it was arranged for him to recover [here].I, Unfortunately, he isn’t here. ‘It’s a shame because he spent two years, he has built a very good relationship with the club and the supporters. It’s unfortunate it ends as well,” he said.
Balotelli has scored 43 goals in 66 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, rebuilding his reputation after a wayward few years in England and his home country.
”Him wanting to leave is not a problem, it’s part of football today. Team-mates such as Seri and Le Marchand, who knew that they changed their club, were present. It was not easy for them, but they worked within the club. For Mario, it ends differently,” he added.
Mario Balotelli is in Marseille to finalise a free transfer from Nice. He’s expected to sign a two-year deal on £175,000-a-week.