Former Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli has signed with Serie A club Genoa on a free transfer. The 34-year-old joins after a spell with Turkish club Adana Demirspor and will make his return to Italian football for the first time in over three years, following his departure from Monza in 2021.
Balotelli’s move to Genoa marks a new chapter in a colorful career that has taken him across Europe. Known as much for his on-field talent as his off-field antics, Balotelli has remained a high-profile figure in football since his breakthrough. His time in the Premier League with Manchester City was filled with memorable moments, including his iconic “Why Always Me?” celebration in a 6-1 victory over Manchester United and his contribution to City’s 2012 Premier League title, their first in over four decades.
Balotelli now joins a Genoa side in need of a lift, as they currently sit 18th in Serie A with just six points from nine games. Led by manager Alberto Gilardino, Genoa will be looking to Balotelli to bolster their attack and provide the experience needed to climb out of the relegation zone.
Since leaving City, Balotelli has had stints with clubs across Italy, France, and Turkey, including Nice, Marseille, Brescia, and Monza. A former Italian international, he was part of Italy’s Euro 2012 squad, finishing as runners-up, but he has not featured for the national team since 2018.
As he returns to Serie A, Genoa fans will be hoping Balotelli can bring his goal-scoring touch and veteran experience to a side eager to secure its top-flight status.
