Mario Balotelli ‘to be let go by Brescia’ TWO years before contract ends after bust-up and missing ten days of training
MARIO BALOTELLI is set to be released from his Brescia contract after a bust-up with club president Massimo Cellino, according to reports.
Despite being on a deal with two years still left to run, it is said both club and player are ready to part ways this summer.
Reports in Italy detail how the ex-Manchester City forward skipped the club's training sessions for ten days following a falling out with Cellino.
Balotelli put that absence down to stomach problems, according to ANSA, and was spotted working alone before an anticipated return to the group on Wednesday.
But coach Diego Lopez took training with the Italian not seen among the squad.
Brescia appear destined to return to Serie B once the season is completed, with nine points separating them from safety and 12 games to go.
Balotelli was given a hero's welcome when signing on a free transfer from Marseille last summer.
And yet the 29-year-old has endured a turbulent time in Lombardy, facing racist chanting from opposition fans that his own supporters and president failed to condemn.
Earlier in the week, Brescia refused to comment on their player's whereabouts and it is claimed that Cellino regrets handing Balotelli a three-year deal and sees the forward as a distraction for the team.
The Serie A side's decision to award him a £16,000-a-week wage is now reportedly a major problem for the former Leeds chief, who must come to a settlement of sorts to end the contract early.
Balotelli has registered just five goals for the Rondinelle since joining, from 19 appearances.