eye off the bal
Mario Balotelli fails to report to training for Patrick Vieira’s first day as Nice boss
Arsenal legend claimed he was "expecting" the maverick striker to turn up for the first day of pre-season
MARIO BALOTELLI has further fuelled speculation over his future by failing to turn up to Patrick Vieira's first training session as Nice boss.
The Frenchman said the ex-Liverpool man was "expected" to join up with his team-mates on Monday.
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But the maverick striker was a no-show as he plots his next move away from the club.
Instead it appears Balotelli remains in his native Italy after rapper Tekashi69 uploaded a video on Instagram of the pair playing football.
Vieira revealed in his press conference: "We expected him at training today,
“What’s certain is he wasn’t there and that [his absence] wasn’t planned. We’ll wait and see what happens.”
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The former Arsenal midfielder starts his new job in management with the French side but will be plotting life without the 27-year-old.
Balotelli is available for transfer after his contract expired but a clause in his contract means Nice are still owed £8.9million from his next club.
Regular football for the French side meant Balotelli hit top form after ending the season with 26 goals in 38 starts.
His form earned him a recall to the Italy national side following a four-year exile.
Meanwhile, Alassane Plea also missed the start of pre-season training, as he's linked with a move to West Ham.
Mario Balotelli has had an amazing second season with Nice scoring 18 league goals
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