Nice announced on Monday evening Mario Balotelli has decided to stay at the club for a third season.
Balotelli has spent the last two years with Nice and successfully managed to kickstart his career in the south of France.
The former Liverpool striker has even worked his way back into contention with the Italian national team during that period.
Balotelli was expected to join Marseille this summer but Nice have sensationally confirmed the 28-year-old has renewed with the club.
“The decision has been taken. After careful consideration, Mario Balotelli has decided to stay at Nice,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The Italian international expressed his wishes to the directors. There will be a third season for the forward. The agreement was signed by all parties on Monday evening.
“Made slightly complicated at the start of the summer by another club from the south of France, the situation is now back to normal. Simple, clear. Like one of SuperMario’s strikes.”
Balotelli will serve the final game of his three-match ban against Dijon this weekend before returning to contention when Patrick Vieira’s side against Lyon at the end of the month.
Nice are yet to win in the league this season, only managing one point from their opening two matches.
Vieira’s side sold key forward Alassane Plea during the summer and Balotelli’s return will be a huge boost for the club.
Balotelli has scored 33 goals in 51 league matches for Nice, including 18 last season – his best ever haul in a single league campaign.
