Mario Balotelli's wildest moments: Fireworks, a pet pig and 'Why Always Me?'

"Mario Balotelli is about to begin the latest chapter in his unique career with the news that the well-travelled Italian striker has signed for United Arab Emirates side Al Ittifaq on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The Dubai-based side play in the second tier of UAE football and are rock bottom of the standings. They are also the 14th club of Balotelli's career to date,"

"Balotelli had been a free agent since the summer and has not played competitive football since December 2024, following a somewhat underwhelming stint back in Italy with Genoa. The 35-year-old mustered just six league appearances for the club, all of which came off the bench. The oft-controversial forward his struggled to settle anywhere since leaving Liverpool in 2015 and has spent periods at various clubs in France, Italy, Turkey and Switzerland."

"Balotelli has owned a succession of high-end supercars over the years, but perhaps the most memorable (other than the handful he has managed to crash and write-off) is the astounding camouflaged Bentley he proudly unveiled while pulling up to City training in 2011. The cold shoulder Among the most famous goals of Balotelli's career came for City during a 5-1 pummelling of Norwich City in 2011."

Mario Balotelli has signed for United Arab Emirates side Al Ittifaq on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The Dubai-based club play in the UAE second tier and sit rock bottom of the standings. The move is the 35-year-old's 14th club. Balotelli has been a free agent since the summer and has not played competitive football since December 2024 after an underwhelming return to Italy with Genoa, where he made six league appearances, all as a substitute. He has struggled to settle since leaving Liverpool in 2015, with spells in France, Italy, Turkey and Switzerland, and has not recaptured the peak form that brought major honours and international recognition. He remains notable for high-profile off-field antics, including a camouflaged Bentley showcased in 2011.

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