Balotelli was Nice's hero on his debut Credit: AFP
Mario Balotelli has never been one for going quietly, and he taken less than two weeks after leaving Liverpool to send a scathing parting shot in the club's direction.
The Italian was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Jurgen Klopp, and was allowed to leave on a free for French side Nice on transfer deadline day.
Balotelli during the 3-2 win over Marseille on Sunday night Credit: EPA
He managed only four goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool after moving to Anfield for £16 million in the summer of 2014, a decision he now admits he regrets.
"It was the worst mistake of my life," Balotelli told Canal Plus.
Balotelli says his Liverpool managers 'did not make a good impression' on him Credit: ACTION IMAGES
"Apart from the fans, who were fantastic with me, and some of the players who I really got on with, I didn't like the club.
"I had two coaches, Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. As people they didn't make a good impression on me. I didn't get along with them."
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Balotelli celebrated his Ligue 1 debut with a brace in a 3-2 win over Marseille on Sunday evening, and still firmly believes in his own ability, even if plenty of people feel his attitude has scuppered his chances of becoming a truly world class striker.
The former Manchester City man insists there still remains the chance he could one day win the Ballon d'Or.
Balotelli has always been a controversial character Credit: AFP
"Of course. It's not too late," he said. "I think I could have already won it by now, but by working hard in training I could still win it in the next two or three years."
Balotelli opened the scoring from the penalty spot in Sunday's game, keeping his head despite the efforts of former Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis to put him off.
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Gomis and Florian Thauvin then both scored to put Marseille 2-1 up, before Balotelli headed in an equaliser and Wylan Cyprien scored a late winner.
Balotelli was named man of the match for his part in the victory.
OGC Nice (@ogcnice )Ladies and gentlemen, @FinallyMario .
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