Mario Balotelli’s heartwarming first snap with newborn son Lion ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash
Nice striker welcomed his second child after four-year-old daughter Pia with touching Instagram photo
MARIO BALOTELLI has posted a heartwarming first photo of his new son Lion.
The former Liverpool and Manchester City striker is already a father to four-year-old daughter Pia.
Balo, who now plays for Nice, fathered the child with his ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico.
But now the Italy frontman, 27, can dream of having a son follow in his footsteps after his current girlfriend, known only as Clelia, reportedly gave birth in Zurich three weeks ago.
Balotelli has said little about the birth until now.
Although he did share a photo to his 5.9million Instagram followers of a woman's pregnant belly early last month.
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He captioned the snap: "Loading."
Balotelli is seen cradling his baby boy - draped in a white blanket - in the latest picture, and appears to be asleep.
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He wrote alongside the image: "Good night. #Father&Son."
The volatile forward recently claimed to have grown up after a number of controversies - including telling his team-mates to go "f***" themselves.
But he was shown riding a mini-motorbike in a training ground drag race.
Not that it has impacted his form too much.
Balotelli has bagged six goals in eight games so far this season - and picked up four bookings.