Nice president: Balotelli's future at club may depend on European qualification
Mario Balotelli may not have a choice over his future at Nice if the French side fails to qualify for a European tournament this season.
Club president Jean-Pierre Rivere revealed his doubts over Nice's ability to meet the wage demands of the Italian striker, who arrived from Liverpool in 2016, without the added revenue of competing in Europe.
"Balotelli is a very nice guy, and he's incredible on the pitch. He's changing his style of play, I think he's improving," he said, according to Ian Holyman of ESPN FC
"But will he want to stay next season? Perhaps. Can we keep him? I don't know. That will depend on results. When you sign Balotelli, it's because you know you have European competition, therefore extra revenue.
"I'm not revealing anything when I say Mario has a certain level of salary. If we're not in Europe, it's not the same level of salary.
"Perhaps, in that case, he'll leave. We have to make sure things are safe."
With more than half of the season remaining, Nice sits 12 points back of Marseille and the final Europa League spot in the Ligue 1 table.
Balotelli is putting together yet another impressive campaign for the French side after scoring 14 goals in 18 matches in all competitions.