Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been linked with a shock return to the Serie A.
The Italian striker is currently a free agent after leaving Turkish outfit Demirspor when his contract expired at the end of the 2023/24 season.
According to La Repubblica, Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino called the former AC Milan star over a potential move to the Italian top-flight outfit.
Read: Iniesta Breaks Silence On Real Madrid Fan Rumours
Balotelli last competed in the Serie A five years ago for his hometown club Brescia, while he did have a stint with Monza in Serie B in the 2022/23 campaign.
While Gilardino personally called the 34-year-old striker, fellow Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claims the Genoa directors are unsure about securing a move for the player.
Balotelli, meanwhile, recently stated he would be able to compete if return to the Serie A this campaign during a live stream.
"What the f*ck are you saying?" Balotelli said after a Twitch streamer claimed he is not good enough anymore, via Football Italia.
"Just because I wasn't in Serie A, what I did doesn't count? F*ck off, you and Serie A!
"It's a promise, I'll smash Serie A when I sign [for a club], I smash this f*cking Serie A."
