Super Mario's In The Last Chance Saloon

Mario Balotelli what shall we do with you? The troubled striker has cost over fifty million in transfer fees over his career so far and produced some remarkable moments both on and off the pitch, but it appears that the twenty six year old's free transfer to OCG Nice represents something of a last chance.

Balotelli putting pen to paper on deadline day

He was once courted by some of the biggest teams in the world during transfer windows but this time things were different for Mario. Jurgen Klopp had told him to find another team and every club that was linked with him quickly distanced themselves form the rumors. But Nice have taken the gamble on the Italian. They have history, taking a gamble on Hatem Ben Arfa when it seemed the former prodigy's talents had all but run out. One season later he now plays for Paris St Germain and is looking back to his best.

But can this move to the south of France be a fresh start for Balotelli? There's no denying he has talent, we've seen it in glimpses throughout the years. But its now he really needs to step up, he's 26 and time is running out for him as there is plenty of young talent hungry to fill the gaps in the Italian national side. No more silly off the field antics which made him a household name. The problem with them is they made him a 'character' and people only like characters when they are performing on the
 pitch.

The famous photo

Perhaps now that he doesn't have the media clambering over his every move he can focus on football. Really show the world his talents and get himself back on the radar on national football. He has a chance knock some goals in, impress the fans and rebuild his reputation that is pretty much in tatters.

I for one wish him all the luck and will be keeping a close eye on how he gets on.