Mario Balotelli joins Marseille: the Italian striker completes the free transfer after the liberation of Nice

Italian striker Mario Balotelli made a free transfer to Marseille on Thursday, after being released from his contract with league club 1 Nice.

The 28-year-old finished his two-and-a-half year career with Les Aiglons at the Orange Velodrome, although he has not found the back of the net in ten league games this season.

Balotelli joins Marseille for a six-month contract until the end of the current campaign. His salary is expected to reach about £ 2.7 million in this short period.

The enigmatic center forward has scored 42 goals in a total of 64 appearances in Nice, but he's found himself in and out of the starting lineup this season after a string of poor performances.

He could make his debut in Marseille next Friday, while the French giants welcome Lille in a huge match of Ligue 1, with nine points separating the two teams of the table.

Speaking at the official press conference after the announcement of the substitution of his post this afternoon, Balotelli wanted to calm the expectations of his new fan base, claiming that his main goal was simply to 39, help the team.

"I know fans are expecting a lot from me," he began. I have to train, that's what I miss, but I feel good, I'm fit. "

"Marseille has a pbadionate fan base, all players see it, it's something we do not forget, I had deliberately issued my message to OM supporters because I hoped to come here "

"Scoring goals is not a matter of life and death, it's not a priority, I will not die if I do not score quickly"

"My goal is to score as many goals as possible, but the most important is the team."

The Olympians, seventh in the standings, still hope to qualify for the Champions League next season, with six points currently tied with Lyon, third.

For Balotelli, this last move could be his last chance to succeed at the highest level of the game, having experienced major ups and downs in recent years.

During the early stages of his career, spells at Inter, Man City and AC Milan allowed him to showcase his talent and, even though he 'd love it. impressed sporadically, he has never been able to maintain his form.

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An unfortunate spell in Liverpool between 2014 and 2016 saw him turn away completely from the spotlight before rediscovering his contact with Nice as a scorer. He will now try to do it in a new environment.

He finished his first public appearances as a Marseille player by sending a message to supporters, adding: "I hope you will come Friday and that you will support the team as I saw it. with Nice, the team and I will do our part. " better to win. "