Mario Balotelli has revealed he would like to end his career in Italy, ideally with hometown club Brescia.
The Marseille striker has previously played for both Milan clubs, but struggled to make an impact in Serie A – a league he calls “too tactical and a bit boring”.
Balotelli, who has scored one goal in two games for Marseille since joining from Nice in January, was asked about his future during an interview with Italian TV show Queli che il Calcio.
The 28-year-old, who was recently recalled to the Italy squad, was born in Palermo but grew up in Brescia, and his hometown club are currently leading the Serie B – two points ahead of Palermo – as they push for promotion to Serie A. Balotelli says they are the only Italian club he has considered featuring for.
“I never really thought about going back to [Italy] in these months,” the striker said.
“But I do not deny that I would like to close my career at Brescia.”
Last year saw Roberto Mancini, who managed Balotelli at Inter Milan and Manchester City, become manager of the Italian national team, leading to a recall for the former Liverpool striker after a three-year absence. Balotelli has scored 14 goals in 36 appearances for his country, and would like to add to that tally, especially with Mancini in charge.
“Mancini is the manager that knows me best,” he admitted. “I want return to the Italy national team and score many goals.”
Though Balotelli harbours dreams of starring for and playing in his country again, he criticised Italy for the racism he had deal with there as a player, revealing that he hasn’t experienced anything of the sort in England or France.
“In Italian stadiums there is too much racism,” Balotelli said. “I have been victim of insults only in Italy. It will take time but I am sure that we will win the battle against the racists.”
