Mario Balotelli’s Unconventional Career Path Since Leaving Liverpool

Mario Balotelli is one of the most talented and enigmatic footballers of his generation. After bursting onto the scene as a prodigious young player at Inter Milan, his career has taken some strange turns since leaving Liverpool in 2015.

The 33-year-old has now returned to Turkish side Adana Demirspor, the seventh club he has played for since leaving Anfield. With his latest move, Balotelli’s career path has been one of the strangest in modern football.

Failed Spell at Liverpool

Balotelli only spent a season on Merseyside before being loaned back to AC Milan in 2015. He made 28 appearances for Liverpool, of which 14 were starts, and scored four goals. He failed to register an assist and only completed the full 90 minutes on six occasions.

Speaking in 2016, Balotelli described his £16 million transfer from Milan to Liverpool as “the worst mistake of my life”. He said: “Apart from the fans, who were fantastic with me, I must be honest, and the players, who I had a good rapport with, I didn’t like the club. I had two coaches, Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. As people they didn’t make a good impression on me. I didn’t get along with them.”

Moves to Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza & Sion

After leaving Liverpool, Balotelli joined OGC Nice on a permanent deal. He then moved to Marseille, Brescia, Monza and FC Sion. His switch from Turkey to Switzerland came after an on-pitch row with manager Vincenzo Montella.

Adana had just beaten Umraniye 1-0 in the Super Lig when Balotelli could be seen sending choice words Montella’s way. Montella was infuriated and staff had to keep them apart. Four days later Balotelli was sold to Sion.

Return to Adana Demirspor

Almost 13 months after leaving Adana, Balotelli has now rejoined the club. This came after speculation over a move to the Saudi Pro League and the Italian having been told to train away from the first team at Sion. The Swiss club ultimately terminated Balotelli’s contract on September 14, with his free transfer to Adana confirmed the following day.

“Yes! I have come back now,” he wrote on Instagram upon his return. “I love you Adana.”

Balotelli made 35 appearances in his first stint at Adana, scoring 19 goals and laying on seven assists – one of his best returns for a single club.

Conclusion

Mario Balotelli’s career path since leaving Liverpool has been one of the strangest in modern football. After failed spells at Anfield and Sion, he has now returned to Adana Demirspor for a second stint. With his prodigious talent, it will be interesting to see how this latest move works out for him.