Mario Balotelli revealed his mother cried when he told her he was joining hometown club Brescia and insists he has no fear of failing on his return to Serie A after an absence of three years.

The 29-year-old Italy international was born in Palermo but moved to Brescia at the age of two, and his adoptive family still lives there although his father died in 2015.The newly-promoted club confirmed the signing of Balotelli of the official website as the former Premier League striker reportedly signing a three-year deal after previous negotiations with Brazilian giants Flamengo broke down.Balotelli speaking at his first news conference says: “My mum cried initially when I told her that I might be going to Brescia … she was very happy.’

Italy forward also brushed off suggestions that he would struggle to replicate his previous form for his new club.”It seems that you are more afraid of my failure than I am,” he added. “I’m not afraid, zero. I’m fine, I’m serene. This is my home.””I don’t know what to expect,” he said when asked about racism in Italian football. “I hope things don’t happen like in the past.”Balotelli returns to Serie A on the back of a successful spell at Marseille, where he scored eight goals in 15 appearances.