Mario Balotelli has decided to remain at Nice for the 2018-19 Ligue 1 season.
Balotelli was tipped to depart in the transfer window and was linked with French rivals Marseille, with head coach Patrick Vieira revealing it was “unlikely” the Italy international forward would remain at the Allianz Riviera.
However, the 28-year-old – who has missed the opening two games of the new season through suspension – will remain with Nice, where he has scored 33 league goals since arriving from Liverpool in 2016.
“The decision has been taken. After careful consideration, Mario #Balotelli has decided to stay at @ogcnice_eng,” Nice announced via Twitter.
After former Manchester City and Liverpool forward Balotelli missed the start of pre-season, new boss Patrick Vieira to suggest the Italy international would leave the club.
However, the situation has been sorted out, with Nice adding: “Made slightly complicated at the start of the summer by another club from the South of France, the situation is now back to normal. Simple, clear. Like one of Super Mario’s strikes.”
Agile, quick, creative, and powerful, Balotelli is credited with pace, flair, physical strength, technical ability, and an eye for goal; his height, elevation and physique allow him to excel in the air, and he is capable of scoring with his head or with either foot, from both inside or outside the area.
Although he normally plays in a central role as a main striker, he is a versatile forward, who is capable of playing anywhere along the front line, and has also been deployed as a winger or as a second striker.
Despite his talent, however, he has been criticized by managers, teammates, and the media for a perceived poor and immature attitude at times, as well as his for his poor movement and work-rate, inconsistency, mentality, and volatile temperament and arrogant behaviour on the pitch, which has often led him to pick up unnecessary bookings throughout his career.
Balotelli has also been accused of diving, and is thus regarded by teammates and the media as a promising but undisciplined player.
Due to his powerful shot, Balotelli is also a set-piece specialist, and is regarded as one of the best penalty kick takers in world football, a view backed by his former Manchester City goalkeeping teammate Joe Hart. Balotelli missed his first competitive penalty against Napoli on 22 September 2013 when it was saved by Pepe Reina; the first time in 22 attempts as a professional.