When Nice signed Mario Balotelli from Liverpool, many thought it was a gamble for the Ligue 1 side.
The former Manchester City, Inter and AC Milan striker had barely played for a whole year, and few foresaw how much of an impact the 26-year-old would have on the league, as well as the team surrounding him.
Currently top of the French league after 11 games, Nice had managed to create a six point gap between themselves and Paris Saint-Germain before losing to Caen at the weekend, while Unai Emery’s side drubbed Rennes 4-0.
Téléfoot in France decided to go and meet the ex-Liverpool man for an interview, and ask him about what has impressed him the most since his arrival in the south of France.
Talking about the potential in Nice’s side, with players like Alassane Pléa and Vincent Koziello having bright futures, Balotelli also gave his two cents about the fans that come to the Allianz Riviera every week to see him play, and the heated atmosphere they create.
He said: “From all the teams I’ve played for, these are the ‘hottest’ fans I’ve seen. Inter Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool, they were ‘hot’, but here, it’s more.”
Hearing his nickname ‘Super Mario’ being chanted whenever he scores, and he’s done so seven times in nine appearances, Balotelli appears to be genuinely happy with his choice.
Lucien Favre is getting the best out of him, and he’s, so far, done all his talking on the pitch, rather than making headlines off it, as was the all too familiar story during his time at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Let’s hope that continues.
