ROME (Reuters) - Brescia president Massimo Cilino said striker Mario Balotelli could leave for free in the transfer window next month because his form does not help the team in the battle to stay in Serie A.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has been unable to regain his luster since he joined Brescia in August and has scored two goals in eight league games.
Balotelli threatened last month to leave the pitch after he was racially shouted during his side's league match against Verona.
"Mario is sad because he is unable to play in his usual style," Cilino said in televised remarks.
"The struggle for survival in the top flight requires a huge sacrifice and Balotelli probably thought it was simpler," he said. "In January he can leave as a free player. At the moment he needs to think about the best way to go."
Cilino recently commented that the striker had lost his place in the team, saying Balotelli's problem was that he was black and "trying to get whiter."
"I can't be a racist and my comment is out of context," he said. "I was saying something stupid and making jokes."
Last-placed Brescia sacked coach Fabio Grosso on Monday.