Former Leeds United and Everton midfielder Olivier Dacourt has told the Italian media Mario Balotelli signing for Nice from Liverpool was a good thing. Balotelli joined the Ligue 1 side on deadline day after failing to make an impact at Liverpool.
Speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, Dacourt said it was important Balotelli arrived in France this summer following the departure of PSG superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović to Manchester United in the last window.
Dacourt believes Balotelli will help give Ligue 1 much needed appeal after the Swede exited PSG, and thinks the French people should be happy with this transfer.
“It’s a great thing to have him in Ligue 1, especially after the departure of Ibrahimovic. For the press, the fans, the appeal. You have to be happy because we lost a lot with Ibra,” said Dacourt.
Balotelli joined Nice on a free transfer, and since arriving in France has gone on record to say signing for Liverpool was the biggest mistake of his career. The Italy international made just 16 league appearances for the Merseyside club, and last season was loaned out to AC Milan.
