Former Bordeaux midfielder Johan Micoud has questioned Nice's decision to sign former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

Micoud, who is now an agent, insists Balotelli cannot be compared with the case of Hatem Ben Arfa, now of PSG.

He told L'Equipe: "The difference with Hatem Ben Arfa is that Ben Arfa is emotional. He just had to succeed in being a driver. In addition, Claude Puel wanted him.

"Now, with Mario Balotelli, we feel that he can mess around. For three years he has not done anything ... And the problem is not just sports. He's only 26 years old after all.

"I especially feel it is what happens off the pitch which will not work for him."