Liverpool flop, Mario Balotelli has surprisingly been linked with a move to African giants TP Mazembe, who knocked Mamelodi Sundowns out of the CAF Champions League.
Read: Balotelli Given Time Off After Death In Family
The Italian has struggled to find his form under Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and French publication Football France claim the striker is keen on moving to Africa.
Balotelli has been linked with a return to Serie A as well as several loan deals, but it is now being reported that he is keen to experience life in Congo for one season.
According to the report, Balotelli approached Patrice Carteron, TP Mazembe's manager, with the idea of a loan deal.
"I was surprised one morning to see a text message from an English number," Carteron recalled, as quoted by Football France.
"At first I thought it was a joke, there was a foul by word, it was a mix between English and Italian. But curious, I called, and I came across Mario Balotelli.
"He told me, word for word, he wanted to discover the African championship ... I laughed, but I said yes.
"I called Brendan Rodgers, who did not hesitate to send me Mario in the evening."
TP Mazembe reportedly want to use Balotelli to reclaim the local league title after losing out to AS Vita last time around as well as to win the CAF Champions League.
The Congolese giants were crowned champions of Africa four times in the club's history, claiming the latest CAF CL title in 2010, and also reached the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2010.
Balotelli, meanwhile, has struggled to adapt to life at Liverpool and only scored four goals in all competitions last season. He had been given compassionate leave after a death in his family and is now reportedly training alone in Liverpool, while the rest of the squad is on pre-season tour.
Read: Sterling Names His Big Liverpool Regret
Disclaimer: The Football France report also refers to a tweet by Mario Balotelli's Twitter account that the striker has arrived on loan at TP Mazembe, but such an announcement can not be found. It seems this news must be seen as the latest edition for our Crazy Transfer Rumours feature.
Do you think Mario Balotelli would consider playing in Africa? Have your say in the comments section below.
