Mario Balotelli Takes Up Surprise New Sport After Video of Himself Training in Muay Thai

• Former Premier League striker Mario Balotelli has taken to social media to showcase his newfound interest in Muay Thai
• Balotelli seems to be using this off-season period to stay in peak physical condition after he was omitted from Italy's Euro squad
• Whether Balotelli's foray into the sport is a mere hobby or a hint at a potential future career path remains to be seen

Former Premier League striker Mario Balotelli has seemingly taken up a surprise new sport weeks after the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

The Italian forward was on the books of Turkish side Adana Demirspor during the campaign, which saw him miss two months due to a serious knee injury.

However, that did not stop him from leaving a mark, with the ex-Manchester City ace netting seven goals in 16 appearances for the club.

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Football

Having been snubbed from the Italy squad for the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, Balotelli is making the most of the break by staying in top shape.

Balotelli takes up new sport

The former AC Milan attacker may have fallen in love with a new sport, at least based on his latest social media activity.

The Italy international recently shared a string of posts of him punching and kicking pads in a Muay Thai gym.

In one of the videos, the striker can be seen pulling on the gloves, getting into the ring, and engaging in some light sparring.

In another clip, he tagged Adesanya Israel in what appeared to be a sly dig at the UFC legend.

Adesanya is widely regarded as one of the best UFC fighters, with the 34-year-old holding a 24-3 record and five successful middleweight championships, per the Bleacher Report.

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Football

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Balotelli will pursue a new career in the ring once he retires from football.

The football star made a name for himself during his time with City, where he scored 30 goals in 80 games and won the Premier League crown on the final day of the season in 2012.

Balotelli mocks Fenerbahce goalie

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Balotelli appearing to mock Fenerbahce's goalkeeper with a funny celebration after gifting him an easy goal.

The 33-year-old, in a funny reaction to the goal, held his head while he looked at the goalkeeper before his teammates joined him at the far end.