Mario Balotelli has returned to Serie  A with Genoa as a free agent.

The former Manchester City striker officially joined the club as he signed a short-term deal with Alberto Gilardino’s Genoa until the end of the season.

The confirmation from club has finally confirmed the development after several rumors.

According to reports, Balotelli officially put pen to paper on a deal until the end of June, 2025. He is expected to take home around €400,000 in wages, with bonuses included.

The former Italy international completed the move after completing his medicals in the city on Monday morning. 

Genoa announced on their website, using of the word ‘Super Mario’ nickname while announcing his signing.

Balotelli who came to limelight with Inter Milan had stints with Man City, Liverpool and AC Milan. He has been a free agent since the start of the summer after leaving Turkish Super Lig outfit Adana Dermirspor at the end of his contract. 

His final game in Turkey ended early after being  shown a 39th minute red card for an off-the-ball incident while wearing the captain’s armband. 

Balotelli haf in a recent interview said he had rejected lucrative offers from abroad over the summer as he was willing to hold out from offers from Serie A. 

Genoa will be the first Serie A club that Balotelli has signed for since his stint with Brescia in 2019-20, where he scored five goals from 19 appearances. 

He also had a spell with Monza the year after,  scoring five league goals while they were in the Serie B. 

Some quarters in the club had stated that Balotelli would join the club after the international break. 

With many controversies about his conduct on and off the field during his stints with top clubs, it is hoped Balotelli will concentrate more on football and help Genoa achieve a great finish in the league.

They are currently in the relegation zone after 9 games, garnering just six points.