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Mario Balotelli was caught speeding in a residential area near his family home, with his driving license having been revoked by Italian authorities. However, the incident could have an even more devastating effect on the striker, as a reported special clause in his contract with AC Milan means that the club can cancel it at any time if he transgresses.
Balotelli returned to Milan after a poor season with Liverpool, and his controversial behavior off the pitch over the years also made him a risky purchase for the club. The alleged clause Milan laid down would ensure that if Balotelli were to indulge in any of his divisive extra-curricular activities, such as throwing darts at youth-team players as he did at Manchester City, they could cancel his contract immediately.
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With him having only just arrived at Milan from Liverpool, it hasn’t taken long for Balotelli to become embroiled in his first controversy, with him having been caught by a speed camera driving his Lamborghini at over 90 kmph in a populated area with a limit of 50 kmph. The incident had taken place near his family home in Brescia, with a local report stating that Balotelli had told police officers: “I’m sorry, but I hadn’t realised [that he had been driving so fast].” He was ordered to hand over his license immediately, as is required by Italian law.
Milan hasn’t provided a statement in regards to whether or not this will trigger his contract clause, but it should certainly give the club pause for thought after having only recently signed the player. While it seems unlikely that they would oust Balotelli from their line-up for this issue, it could certainly serve to strain their relationship and make things more difficult for the Italy international as he looks to improve his fortunes at Milan after a disappointing last season.
