Mario Balotelli will be a big hit with new club Brescia once he is fully fit, former team-mate Nigel de Jong has revealed.
The 29-year-old has spent most of his career on his travels when playing for Inter Milan, Manchester City and French outfit Nice, but is now back in his homeland.
Balotelli spent most of his childhood in the Brescia region and De Jong believes home comforts and familiarity will bring out the best in him.
De Jong is good friends with Balotelli following their time together at City and knows him well enough to suggest the move to the Lombardy outfit is a perfect fit. “For me, it’s important for Mario to be in an environment he’s happy with and [where] he’s back with his family,” De Jong said.
“I think he needs two more weeks before he’s really fit and he can play his first game. “Mario’s Mario – the qualities will always be there. We just hope that he can pick up where he left off [in France] and show his qualities for Brescia because they’re going to need it this year. He is very happy. So we’ll see.”
Balotelli has had a controversial career but, when he is on his game, he scores goals and that is what Brescia will need this season.
They are back in the top flight after winning Serie B last season and are one of the contender to be relegated straight back. They will be hoping that Balotelli will be the key to defying the odds.
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