Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere: 'Mario Balotelli wants to stay'

Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere has indicated that he is confident of keeping Mario Balotelli at the club.

Last summer, Balotelli penned a one-year contract at the French outfit and managed to lead them to third place in France's top flight, which earns them a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

The Italian international is yet to make a final decision on his future, but Rivere says that he is angling towards extending his stay at the club.

Rivere is quoted by Goal.com as saying: "I will only say two or three things on Mario. The first is that the player wants to stay in Nice. Afterwards, he's ready to make financial efforts to continue to work with us."

Last season, Balotelli scored a total of 17 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.