OFFICIAL: Mario Balotelli returns to Serie A to join newly-promoted side Brescia

Mario Balotelli has officially signed "a multi-year contract" for his hometown club Brescia as a free agent following their promotion to Serie A.

“Mario Balotelli Barwuah is officially a new player of Brescia Calcio S.p.A. The Footballer has signed a multi-year contract with the Rondinelle,” read a statement.

“The return to Italy, after three years, was made possible by Mario’s determination and enthusiasm to return to Brescia, the city where he grew up and where since he was a child he stood out for his physical and technical skills.

“Tomorrow, August 19th, the footballer will be officially presented at the Brescia Calcio headquarters, Via Solferino 32, at 4.45pm.”

It had been reported to be a basic salary of €1.5m for one year with numerous extra bonuses and add-ons for goals scored, appearances, Italy caps and an automatic renewal in case Brescia avoid relegation.

Balo was born in Palermo, but moved to Brescia aged two and his adoptive family still lives there.

The 29-year-old striker returns to Italy for the first time since 2016, when he ended his Milan loan from Liverpool, going on to feature for Nice and Olympique Marseille.

He was a free agent after the Marseille contract expired and had an offer from Brazilian club Flamengo, but opted for Brescia upon their promotion to Serie A.