Mario Balotelli Joins Genoa on Free Transfer

Former Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli has signed with Serie A club Genoa on a free transfer. The 34-year-old forward, who left Turkish side Adana Demirspor earlier this year, returns to Italy after a three-year absence, having last played for Monza in Serie B.

Balotelli, a key player in Manchester City’s 2012 title-winning squad, made a memorable impact at City, scoring 30 goals in two and a half seasons. Known for his often controversial on-field antics, including the famous “Why always me?” celebration against Manchester United, Balotelli’s career has been marked by both exceptional skill and notable off-field incidents. His career journey has included stints with major European clubs like Liverpool, AC Milan, Nice, Marseille, Brescia, and Monza.

Now, he joins a struggling Genoa side managed by Alberto Gilardino, who sit in the relegation zone with just six points from their first nine games. Genoa hope Balotelli’s experience and goal-scoring ability can help them climb the Serie A standings.

Balotelli, who has 36 caps for Italy, was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in Euro 2012, but he has not represented his country since 2018.