Mario Balotelli will have a good conduct clause inserted into his contract with Milan, in a bid to persuade the striker to commit to a lifestyle befitting a professional athlete.
Gazzetta dello Sport said that the club’s chief executive Adriano Galliani had based the clause on regulations which are applied to people who serve in the Italian military.
The 25-year-old, repeatedly criticised for his poor work rate and behaviour off the pitch, is set to return to Milan just one year after leaving for Liverpool, where he had a disappointing season.
He underwent a medical in Milan on Tuesday ahead of an nexpected loan move, although the deal has not yet been officially confirmed.
According to Gazzetta, Balotelli is banned from damaging the image of the club and his social media activity (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) will be closely monitored. He’s also forbidden from divulging news concerning the club and acting on social media in ways that may undermine Milan’s image.
It’s not just the way Balotelli expresses himself via the media that will come under scrutiny; the Italian’s appearance is also subject to a number of clauses. He reportedly is forbidden from having extravagant haircuts, and can only wear clothes approved by the club. Balotelli has also accepted a smoking ban, he can’t drink above a certain amount and is forbidden to attend night clubs.
Balotelli’s first spell at Milan was relatively successful, but even this relatively harmonious spell of what has been a turbulent career, was not without incident.
He lost his temper in front of the cameras after his performance was criticised by Italian television pundits, telling his interviewers that they did not understand football and hurling his microphone down.
He was also booked for making a vulgar gesture at Cagliari supporters, served two three-match bans and was caught smoking in the toilet of a train by a ticket collector.
However, compared to his time at Manchester City when he set fire to his bedroom after letting off fireworks, these were relatively trivial misdemeanorus.
