Corinthians confirm Balotelli interest

Mario Balotelli is ready to return to the pitch after his time in Turkey, and he might do so from across the ocean in Brazil. The negotiations between the Italian striker and Corinthians have been confirmed by GOAL Italia, namely the youth sector director, Claudinei Alves.

Balotelli has reportedly made specific requests to President Augusto Melo, who is personally handling the negotiations. The striker’s goal is to revitalize his career and return to the Italian national team.

Claudinei Alves, Corinthians’ youth sector director, revealed Balotelli’s demands in a phone interview with GOAL: “He asked for six million for two years, three million per year. Corinthians is willing to grant a two-year contract. The president is conducting this negotiation. There are two agents discussing the deal.”

According to Alves, Balotelli’s objective is clear: “He wants to return to the national team. He would come to play in Brazil with this hope.”

Negotiations began about two weeks ago and are being conducted entirely by the Corinthians president. Augusto Melo has already met with Balotelli’s brother, Enock Barwuah, and the intermediary in the negotiation, Brazilian Alex Firmino.

“This information came to me 13 days ago. The next day, I informed the president, who wanted to listen and met with Balotelli, along with his trainer and his brother,” explained Claudinei Alves.

Balotelli, who will turn 34 in mid-August, is a free agent after ending his experience in Turkey with Adana Demirspor. In his last season, he made 16 appearances, scoring 7 goals in the Super Lig.