LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli applauds the supporters as he is substituted against Everton during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Confirmed: Mario Balotelli joins Nice on free transfer

Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli has completed a free transfer move to French side Nice.

The 26-year-old was linked with dozens of clubs this summer as Liverpool sought desperately to offload the Italian – there was even talk of a possible contract termination if a move didn’t happen.

Liverpool though have eventually been able to permanently get rid of Balotelli and his £90,000 per week wages, with a free transfer move having been agreed with the Ligue 1 side.

Balotelli signed for Liverpool from AC Milan for £16 million two years ago, but scored just one league goal on his debut season at Anfield. That saw him return to Milan on loan last season, where he again scored just one league goal.

In total Balotelli made 28 appearances for the Reds, scoring four goals in all competitions.

Balotelli is the 12th permanent departure this summer, following Jordan Rossiter (Rangers), Jerome Sinclair (Watford), Joao Carlos Teixeira (Porto), Lawrence Vigouroux (Swindon), Sergi Canos (Norwich), Jordon Ibe, Brad Smith (both Bournemouth), Martin Skrtel (Fenerbahce), Joe Allen (Stoke), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace) and Luis Alberto (Lazio).

Best of luck, Mario.

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