'Hopefully see you soon' - Balotelli delivers enigmatic Marseille farewell

The Italy striker has been at Stade Velodrome since January after having his contract cancelled by Nice

Mario Balotelli is hopeful of still being at Marseille next season after his contract at the Ligue 1 side expired.

The former Italy striker joined the club in January on a six-month deal after his contract at Nice was cancelled, and has scored eight goals in 12 games.

Marseille had hoped to secure a return to the Champions League this season, having missed out last term after losing the Europa League final to Atletico Madrid.

But the team fell short of landing one of Ligue 1’s three qualification slots, falling behind third-place Lyon and fourth-place Saint-Etienne to eventually finish fifth.

But Balotelli posted on Instagram that, despite the team coming up short, he is keen to stick around at the Stade Velodrome.

“Thank you everybody for these amazing five months even if we didn’t achieve our objectives,” the striker wrote.

“I really wanna [sic] say thank to the coach and staff, players, president and directors. Everyone that works with OM [Olympique Marseille] supporters – THANK YOU AND HOPEFULLY see you soon or good luck for everything in the future years.”