Adana Demirspor Re-Sign Ex-Serie A Bad Boy

Italian ‘bad boy’ Mario Balotelli has decided to return to Turkey and join Adana Demirspor after terminating his contract with Swiss outfit Sion. As per Gazzetta dello Sport, the 33-year-old striker has inked a short one-year deal in southern Turkey.

Balotelli enjoyed a prolific season-long stint at Adana in 2021/22. Under the stewardship of another former Serie A star, Vincenzo Montella, he bagged 19 goals, including several headline-grabbing strikes. However, he left the Super Lig that summer to team up with Sion.

Things didn’t go as planned for Balotelli in Switzerland. After managing six goals in 19 games and falling out of favor with the club, he terminated his contract earlier this summer. Though a potential low-profile return to Serie A was on the cards, the ex-Milan and Inter striker has found refuge in Turkey.

He will find some familiar faces at Adana. Balotelli’s former Milan comrade M’Baye Niang will welcome the veteran. One of the changes to his previous spell at the club relates to the managerial shift. Montella is no longer in charge, with another ex-Rossoneri taking his place.

Patrick Kluivert is the man in the Adana dugout. The Dutchman’s squad boasts several significant figures, including Younes Belhanda and Nani. Andreaw Gravillon, who spent last season on loan at Torino, signed for the Turks in the summer after deciding to cut ties with Ligue 1 side Reims.

A large contingent of former Serie A stars should inspire another decent season for Adana following a respectable fourth-place finish in 2022/23.