Mario Balotelli: ex-Liverpool flop scores two goals on Ligue 1 debut with new club Nice

MARIO BALOTELLI took just seven minutes to score his first goal for new club Nice as he scored twice on his debut.

Balotelli, 26, impressed, scored from the penalty spot and heading home against neighbours Marseille to send Nice joint-top of Ligue 1.

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The Italian coolly scored from the spot early to put Nice into the lead.

But Marseille fought back, with former Premier League pair Florian Thauvin and Bafetimbi Gomis putting the visitors into the lead.

Balotelli then equalised, heading home in the 78th minute, before Wylan Cyprien scored a late winner to send Nice top.

Before kick-off,  Balotelli again hit out at former club Liverpool.

He told Canal Plus: “Apart from the fans, who were fantastic, and some players who I got on really well with, I didn’t like the club.”

Balotelli scored just one Premier League goal for the Reds after a £16million move from AC Milan.

He fell out with Brendan Rodgers, before Jurgen Klopp made it clear he had no interest in keeping him after he returned from another loan spell at Milan.

He added: “I had two coaches, with Rodgers and Klopp for a short time, but neither their methods nor their personality left me with a good impression.

“I never really felt right there.”

Balotelli also believes he can still win the Ballon d’Or.

“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.”