What does the future hold for everybody’s favourite controversial front-man?

Mario Balotelli is one name few within the English footballing community could ever forget it a hurry. Although the Italian striker didn’t exactly serve to set the Premier League alight during two relatively brief spells at Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, his is a personality that certainly left its mark upon the English top-flight as a whole.

 

When it came to producing the odd audacious goal celebration, as well as surounding himself with a whole host of mysterious antics both on and off the field – Mario Balotelli rarely served to disappoint. Yet in terms of delivering the goods for his manager out on the pitch on a week-in-week-out basis, the 26-year-old former Italian international often failed to exert himself as many recent Premier League onlookers have seemingly grown to expect without question. 

 

Several Liverpool fans are nonetheless glad to see the back of the once promising front-man…

 

Balotelli has the body of Christiano and the mind of Alberto Moreno. Shame, he has amazing talent.

— kloppilishious (@LFCfaninUSA) 31 August 2016

 

…and it seems even some ex-Reds players happen to fall into that particular camp as well…

 

Balotelli on a free is still paying over the odds by Nice.

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) 31 August 2016

 

Balotelli himself seemingly remains as confident as ever ahead of his upcoming stint in France…

 

Jamie Carragher, bad player, wonderful hater @Carra23 ,who cares. pic.twitter.com/onbY0WUgOc

— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) 3 September 2016

 

…whilst the vast majority of Liverpool supporters feel a little relieved that he no longer plies his trade at Anfield…

 

Mario Balotelli could've been a Liverpool hero, if he didn't have the worst attitude I've ever seen from a footballer. Shame

— Ü (@ThoseScouseLads) 1 September 2016

 

Yet not every Premier League watcher holds ill feeling towards the player in question…

 

I just want Mario Balotelli to surprise the world this season. Be in his best form and best behaviour.

— Yusuf Taj (@olofat) 2 September 2016

 

…so whilst his recent switch to OGC Nice does admittedly seem a little surprising on the surface…

 

Incredible! Another chance for #Balotelli in #Nice! Good luck#calciomercatoday #Raiola #SkyCalciomercato #BarSport pic.twitter.com/BuaVtUUWxv

— Lele Angeli (@LeleAngeli) 31 August 2016

 

…it’s hard not to wish this undoubtedly entertaining character the best of luck in this new phase of his, so far jaded, footballing career…

 

Good luck at Nice Mario Balotelli always a character hope you get your career back on track #goodluckmario?

— Scotty2youtube (@Scotty2youtube) 31 August 2016