Brash Mario Balotelli to play for Nice

Nice’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli (left) and Brazil defender Dante at a training session at the Charles Ehrmann Stadium in Nice, France, on Wednesday. (Photo: AP)

Controversial Italian international forward Mario Balotelli has joined Ligue 1’s Nice from Liverpool, the French side said on their website on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old known as ‘Super Mario’, whose career has stalled over the last two years, has signed a permanent deal, Nice said, without revealing the fee or the length of the contract.

“Mario Balotelli will train with us on Thursday and be officially presented to the press on Friday,” said Nice, who came fourth in Ligue 1 last season.

British media reported he had moved on a free transfer, with Liverpool avoiding having to pay off his hefty contract, as had been feared after a raft of European clubs refused to take him. “We know, he and the club, that it will not be simple, but with desire and support from the fans, he cam blossom here and bring all his talent to the service of the team,” Nice boss Jean-Pierre Rivere said.