Mario Balotelli can leave Brescia for FREE in January transfer window, confirms president Cellino amid racism storm

MARIO BALOTELLI has the option to leave Brescia for free in January amid a difficult spell with the Serie A strugglers.

A much-heralded return to his hometown upon their promotion to the top-flight has not gone to plan for club or player.

A run of two goals in seven games saw the striker dropped for last month's loss to Roma after a falling out with coach Fabbio Grosso.

That followed an unwelcome racism incident in the defeat to Hellas Verona.

Balotelli launched the ball into the stands after prolonged abuse by opposition supporters, and has hardly received the full backing of his club since then.

A statement released by Brescia's own fans called Balotelli "arrogant" and his body language took a notable downturn.

Brescia owner Massimo Cellino has also failed to calm the atmosphere having made what he called an ill-timed joke about Balotelli's skin colour - and he now admits the player could walk away next month.

The former Leeds owner told Le Iene: "Mario is sad because he is unable to play his game.

"Fighting for survival in Serie A requires a huge sacrifice and perhaps he thought it would be much more simple.

"In January, he can leave on a free. In this moment, he needs to choose which road is best for him. He needs to convince himself.

"I don't want him to leave. If he leaves, we have both lost the bet."

Cellino insists that his previous comments were not racist.

He added: "I wanted to de-dramatise the situation, but I did too much.

"Racist? I am catholic, I can't be.

"If things aren't going well, you need to clear yourself to be accepted. I spoke to him yesterday -- I haven't offended him.

"My comment was taken out of context. I said something stupid, I also make jokes."

Last month, Cellino had remarked that Balotelli was working on "clearing himself" following the unprovoked attacks.

He said: "He's black, what can I say?

"He's working on clearing himself. But he's having a lot of difficulty."

In response, the club released an official statement deeming the incident a "clearly misunderstood joke" as it risks losing the man who earned so much good will when signing for the Serie A newboys.

After 13 games back in the top-flight, Brescia are bottom of the table with just two wins to their name.