Mario Balotelli has signed a contract with Serie B outfit Monza which will run until the end of the season with an option to extend another year if they gain promotion to the top-flight.
The former Inter Milan forward had been without a club since he was released by Brescia in July.
However, the 30-year-old has marked a return to football as he would be linking up with former AC Milan chiefs–Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani.
Monza are eighth in Serie B after nine matches, and are nine points behind leaders Salernitana. However, Mario Balotelli has vowed to do all he can to help the club win promotion to Serie A
“I thank the president Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani for this opportunity,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I will do everything to help Monza reach Serie A.”
Balotelli will undergo a medical on Monday before the deal is confirmed, and Monza chairman Galliani has said that he is delighted to work with the former Manchester City and Liverpool star.
“Mario is a good guy and even today in our interview I had confirmation of this,” said the 76-year-old, who also warned that this is the player’s “last chance”.
Galliani said: “After all, I repeated it to him: ‘Don’t trust flatterers. If necessary, you will hear my criticism, but they will be for your good.’ I saw the understanding in his eyes, the reaction I was looking for.
“The turning point was Mario’s availability, but also that of [his agent] Mino Raiola who renounced any commission. Then we began to negotiate, already knowing that we would come to an agreement. So much so that both accepted that I was I do the figures.”
