Milan, Italy

Serie A powerhouse AC Milan has reached an agreement with Premier League defending champion Manchester City to acquire troubled Italian striker Mario Balotelli.

Milan director Umberto Gandini confirmed that the squad has signed a transfer agreement with City reportedly worth $27 million plus bonuses for Balotelli.

Gandini said a four-and-a-half year deal through 2017 is waiting for Balotelli if he passes the medical Wednesday.

According to reports, the 22-year-old striker's deal is worth 4 million euros or $5.3 million a year plus bonuses.

Barring any unforeseen hitches, Balotelli will end his remarkable but controversy-filled two-and-a-half year stint with Manchester City.

Balotelli will be best remembered for his crucial injury-time pass that set up Sergio Aguero for the dramatic Premier League title-winning goal at the Etihad Stadium last May.

Just recently, Balotelli had to be separated from his manager after he lunged in on Scott Sinclair.

He was also fined by City for his petulant on-pitch behavior which he threatened to challenge at a Premier League tribunal until he finally backed down in December.

Despite his troubles, City manager Roberto Mancini has stood by Balotelli, whom he has paid special attention to since they were together at Inter Milan.

Before his transfer, Balotelli made just two substitute appearances since a woeful performance against Manchester United in December.

 

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