Mario Balotelli's bad reputation reportedly netted him one of the sweeter contract bonuses we've heard of.
Reportedly, a series of documents released by Football Leaks shows Balotelli had a clause in his contract that entitled him to a ￡1 million bonus each season if he was not sent off three or more times.
Balotelli was not sent off during his first season at Liverpool and spent the second season on loan at AC Milan.
Supposedly, the clause reads:
"If during each season of the term of this contract the player is not dismissed from the field of play on three or more occasions for violent conduct, spitting at an opponent or any other person, for using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures and/or for dissent by word or action ... then on the 30th June at the end of each season he shall receive a bonus payment of £1 million."
Balotelli's reputation is more based on off-the-field issues than his conduct on the field, so this feels a little extreme. Oh well, who am I to question the business acumen of a club that made Andy Carroll the most expensive British footballer ever?
Remind me to ask for a bonus for not hitting or spitting on anyone next time I want a raise.