Mario Balotelli was on the brink of completing a shock move, but it has now reportedly been revealed that his bizarre contract requests caused the deal to fall through.
Click through the mini-gallery above to see some of the best free agents who are still available to be signed!
The Italy international is currently a free agent after his short-term contract with Marseille expired, but he was reportedly close to joining Brazilian side Flamengo this month.
That move has now fallen through, however, after the club's hierarchy apparently took exception to a number of requests made by the former AC Milan and Liverpool striker.
According to AS, Balotelli demanded that the club sign his brother Enock and guarantee that his sibling plays at least 10 matches for the club's reserve side in Brazil's fourth division.
Download the new Soccer Laduma Social Media App here!
The 29-year-old also reportedly asked for an annual salary of €4.5 million (R75 million), which the club deemed to be excessive.
It is understood that Balotelli's requests did not sit well with the decision-makers at Flamengo, which includes former Brazil internationals Zico, Julio Cesar and Junior, and it appears the deal has now fallen through.
The 2010 Golden Boy now looks set to remain in Europe, and is reportedly closing in on a return to Italy with Serie A side Brescia.
Read: 'There's No Place At Barca For Neymar'
Balotelli scored eight goals in 15 Ligue 1 appearances for Marseille last season, including five in his first five home games for the club.
Is Balotelli perhaps his own worst enemy? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
