Milan director Umberto Gandini has confirmed a deal for Balotelli via Twitter, writing: “Transfer agreement for Balotelli signed with Manchester City. Medicals tomorrow in Milan, then personal terms until 2017 signing.”
The 22-year-old Italy striker, who loved Milan as a boy, “is returning home for a fee media reports have put at 20 million euros ($26.92 million) after a largely frustrating spell with the English champions,” as Yahoo Sports writes.
The report also adds Milan, in need of a striker after selling Alexandre Pato to Corinthians, “moved for Balotelli after missing out on new Galatasaray forward Didier Drogba.”
Manchester City have declined to comment on the news.
Balotelli notched 20 goals in three years playing for Man City. But it hasn’t been all roses for the striker and the British club: in December 2012, he decided to rally against Manchester City’s decision to fine him two weeks’ wages for his poor disciplinary record the previous season by taking his club to a Premier League tribunal. Balotelli then missed 11 games domestically and in Europe last season because of suspensions. Balotelli eventually dropped his tribunal action and accepted the fine.
For three years, he also played for Internazionale from 2007 to 2010.
Soccer fans will now be anticipating February 24, the date of the next Derby della Madonnina when Balotelli will face his old team Inter.
