BALOTELLI’S SWIPE AFTER VIEIRA EXIT

MARIO BALOTELLI has hit out at Patrick Vieira after the former Arsenal midfielder was sacked as Genoa boss.

Vieira (below) departs after less than a year in the hot seat with Genoa in last place in Serie A.

Balotelli and Vieira have shared a fractious relationship, with the Italian playing under the Frenchman at Nice, and joining Genoa just a month before he was appointed boss.

Alberto Gilardino oversaw Balotelli’s signing but was soon dismissed in favour of the World Cup winner.

During their time together in France, Viera suggested that Balotelli’s mindset “isn’t made for team sports” and that “it’s very difficult for me to work with him”. The former Manchester City striker barely featured under Vieira before leaving Genoa at the end of last season.

And following 49-year-old Vieira’s sacking yesterday, Balotelli, 35, wasted little time in offering his view on the Serie A side’s decision.

“Karma is a bitch,” he posted. “Now Genoa can finally focus on people who really like the environment, supporters and the badge and who deeply believe that Genoa deserves to be at the top.

“The excellent work done by Gilardino and (former president) Alberto Zangrillo was not in vain. It was simply exploited by those who succeeded them, taking advantage of what they had built with relentlessness, respect and passion.

“They exploited their commitment and dedication to these colours, without really understanding their value.”