Mario Balotelli completes free transfer to Adana Demirspor as he plots route back into Italy squad
MARIO BALOTELLI has completed his free transfer to Adana Demirspor as he plots a route back into the Italy fold.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker, 30, was a free agent after his short-term contract at Serie B side Monza expired last month.
But Balotelli still dreams of a return to Euro 2020 finalists Italy's squad.
And he will begin his comeback with Super Lig newcomers Adana Demirspor.
The Turkish side won the TFF First League on goal difference in 2020-21 to book their place in the top-flight after a 26-year absence.
And Adana Demirspor have shown their ambition by signing the former AC Milan and Inter striker.
They shared a welcome video on their official Twitter account, captioned: "Welcome to our family! SUPER MARIO BALOTELLI."
Earlier this week, Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak revealed the deal was '85 per cent done' - and that Balotelli was itching to add to his 36 Italy caps.
Sancak said: "With Balotelli we have almost reached an agreement.
"Let’s say we are at 85 per cent - Mario told us he wants to join us, he will come to Turkey next week.
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"If we find an agreement, then he will wear our shirt.
"He wants to be successful with us to go to the World Cup in Qatar.”
Balotelli has now put pen to paper on a deal with the Super Lig side and has 18 months to prove himself to Italy boss Roberto Mancini.
The controversial forward, who has also played for Nice, Marseille and Brescia since 2016, has scored 14 goals for his country and helped knock England out of Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
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