Mario Balotelli has opted for a fresh start in the Middle East after his spell with Genoa, completing a move to Al Ittifaq, a club competing in the second division of the United Arab Emirates.
The club is controlled by Pietro Laterza, who is also the owner of Chievo Verona, and it was the Italian businessman himself who revealed how the move for the former Italy international came about.
“Everything started from a search on Transfermarkt among free agents,” Laterza explained. “As soon as we saw his name, we contacted his entourage.”
Laterza stressed that Balotelli arrived highly motivated and in good physical condition, qualities that convinced the club to move quickly.
“He is motivated, he is fit, and we needed a striker who is ready to score goals. Dubai is the right place for Balotelli to restart his career.”
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Laterza added that the agreement was reached with remarkable ease following an initial meeting in early December.
“We met at the beginning of December and one conversation was enough to close the deal. Mario is a serious professional with a strong desire to return to playing.”
The decision to sign Balotelli was also influenced by transfer regulations.
“In the January window we were only allowed to register one foreign player, and we chose him.”
Balotelli now begins a new chapter away from European football, with Al Ittifaq confident that the experienced forward can rediscover consistency and make a decisive impact.
