Mario Balotelli has claimed that the Nice supporters are the best that he has played for.
The Italy international has been warmly welcomed on the Cote d’Azur after arriving from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, and while the Reds are regarded as having one of the best fanbases in world football, the striker reckons the supporters at Allianz Riviera are better than those at Anfield.
“Frankly, of all the clubs I’ve played at, these supporters generate the best atmosphere I’ve ever seen,” he told Telefoot.
Moreover, he is delighted that he has quickly been able to make himself at home.
“It’s cool. I’m happy when people like me,” he continued.
Nice suffered its first defeat of the Ligue 1 campaign on Sunday as it went down 1-0 against lowly Caen, and Balotelli, playing his first away league match for his new club, was unable to find the target. Shortly before the hour mark, though, he did strike the post.
Balotelli has, nevertheless, been in strong form in France, scoring seven goals in his first nine matches for Lucien Favre’s side.
Nice draws an average support of around 22,700 for its home fixtures.