Mario Balotelli was left embarrassed after Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters turned down the chance to sign him.

There were reportedly two key reasons why Kerala Blasters opted against a move for the 34-year-old.

Former Italy international Balotelli is a free agent following the end of his second spell at Turkish club Adana Demirspor.

Balotelli played for Manchester City between 2010 and 2013 and later had a spell at Liverpool.

He has also played for clubs including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Nice and Marseille.

In 2011 when he was a City player, Balotelli's £3million rented Cheshire mansion caught on fire after a friend of his was said to have set fireworks off in the striker's bathroom.

Balotelli escaped unhurt after fleeing the fire at 1am. Just 36 hours later, Balotelli scored against rivals Manchester United before unveiling his infamous 'Why always me?' t-shirt.

Shortly after arriving at City in 2010, Balotelli crashed his car on the way to training. He had £5,000 in cash in his back pocket and when asked why he was carrying so much money he responded by saying: 'Because I am rich'.

The 34-year-old, who has won 36 caps for Italy, remains without a club for the time being.