Mario Balotelli snubs West Ham to join Marseille until end of the season
Italian striker had been unhappy at Nice and will switch to their Ligue 1 rivals in a blow to the Hammers
Posted Thursday, January 24, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk
Mario Balotelli will join Marseille for the rest of the season
MARIO BALOTELLI has turned down the chance to join West Ham after agreeing a loan switch to Marseille.
The unsettled Nice striker has been looking to leave the club after falling out with boss Patrick Vieira.
Reports have suggested Balotelli will earn £2.7million for 17 games during his six months at Marseille.
While Eurosport France reporter Maxime Dupuis has claimed the ace has a bizarre clause in his contract which will see him earn a bonus for attending training.
The controversial Italian revived his career at Nice — scoring 42 goals in 64 appearances.
But familiar problems returned this campaign and the relationship soured, with Balotelli goalless in 10.
In that spell the fiery former Manchester City star has racked up five bookings and Vieira was keen to get him off the books this month.
Balotelli's problems this season came off the back of a missed move to Marseille, which saw him report back late to the club, unfit.
The Italian has had a series of failed stints at various clubs throughout his career.
Balotelli flopped at Liverpool and AC Milan after winning the Premier League with City.
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