Mario comes home

And my father dreamed of seeing me play at home

ROME, Italy (AFP) — Mario Balotelli said he had “thought of nothing else” after receiving an offer from Brescia, the club in the city where he grew up.

“I chose Brescia because when their offer came in, I didn’t think about anything else,” the much-travelled striker said at his presentation press conference.

“Here, I have everything I need, because it’s the team from my city.” Balotelli was born in Palermo but grew up in Brescia, in northern Italy, where he owns an apartment.

The club was promoted to Serie A this year after being relegated in 2011.

“I have spent more years abroad than in Italy,” said Balotelli who was without a club after his brief contract with Marseille ran out at the end of last season.

“My mother cried when she heard that I was coming back to Brescia, she was very happy.”

“And my father dreamed of seeing me play at home.”

“I have no fear. The objective is to make this team progress, by giving the team what I can give it. I think you’re the one who’s most afraid,” the striker also said.

The 29-year-old has won 36 caps for Italy but only one since 2014. He said hopes to be called up again.

“Absolutely, yes,” he said, adding that Italy coach Roberto Mancini had sent him a message of congratulations.