West Ham United were linked with a move for striker Mario Balotelli in the summer.
According to Turkish media outlet Aspor and talkSPORT, West Ham were ready to challenge Galatasaray for the signature of the former Manchester City bad boy in the summer.
West Ham are no strangers to maverick characters with the likes of Julian Dicks, Paolo Di Canio, Carlos Tevez, Dimitri Payet and Marko Arnautovic just a few examples over the years.
Balotelli joined Ligue 1 side Nice in the summer of 2016, and was rejuvenated.
A flagging career suddenly reignited with some impressive performances and stats in France, scoring 43 goals in 66 games over two seasons.
Rejuvenated Mario not so super anymore
The Italian was a controversial figure during his time with City and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Balotelli carved out an unwanted reputation as something of a trouble maker both on and off the pitch.
And it seems his return to form and new found maturity were short-lived.
That’s if the comments and actions of Premier League legend and Nice manager Patrick Vieira are anything to go by.
No goals and sent home early by fed up Vieira
Balotelli has failed to score a single goal this season from 10 appearances.
And Vieira confirmed he has sent Balotelli away for Christmas early as he continues to sulk over a failed summer move.
Proof if it was needed that West Ham dodged a bullet by not signing the undoubtedly talented but controversial star.
“I let him start his Christmas vacation a little earlier,” Vieira told French newspaper Nice-Matin, as reported by Football Italia.
‘He was complicated to handle from the start’
“He’s still under contract, so this is not the end of his time here, but the situation is complex for him, for the club and for me.
“He was complicated to handle from the start.
“After the transfer was called off, he wanted to do well, but we quickly realised it would not be that easy. I will respect his contract, but we must find a solution.
“The President and directors will discuss the situation with his agent.”
Without Balotelli West Ham have slowly but surely evolved under Manuel Pellegrini.
The Hammers look a real force at the moment and sit just one win off the top six.
Crucially they have a fantastic team spirit too something Balotelli may well have jeopardised if Vieira’s assessment is any guide.
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