Mario Balotelli Joins 14th Club of His Career, Al-Ittifaq

Mario Balotelli has completed the 14th transfer of his professional career after signing a surprise two-and-a-half-year deal with UAE First Division side Al-Ittifaq in Dubai.

The 35-year-old Italian forward spent the first half of the season as a free agent following his departure from Genoa last June. While he attracted interest from Major League Soccer and Liga MX clubs, Balotelli remained unattached until now.

Balotelli maintained his fitness in the Maldives at Kandima, combining playing and coaching before securing his new contract in the UAE. Al-Ittifaq, founded just six years ago, currently sit at the bottom of the UAE First Division, having won only two of their 11 matches this season and scoring just six goals. The club will rely on Balotelli to make an immediate impact.

The striker, whose time in European football appears to be winding down, failed to score in six appearances for Genoa last season. He first rose to prominence with Inter Milan in 2007, helping the club win the treble under Jose Mourinho, including the 2010 Champions League.

Balotelli also hinted at a future in coaching, saying, “I’m thinking about it as I’m getting old. But what if I find another one with my same character? What would I do next?”

On his new club, he added, “It’s a nice project. It’s hot in there, while here it’s cold, so I can’t wait to get there. I’m even stronger than the others. There were a few calls from Italy, but I wasn’t up for it. Football has changed; there are other players, and it’s right to make room for them. I’m 35.”