Gerrard Explains What's Wrong With Balotelli

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has explained what's wrong with the enigmatic Mario Balotelli.

In his new book My Story, which is serialised in the Daily Mail, Gerrard recalled a conversation with Brendan Rodgers when the Liverpool boss admitted he was prepared to take a gamble on Balotelli.

"I'd never met Balotelli, but I'd heard all the stories about the indoor fireworks and Jose Mourinho describing him as an 'unmanageable' player," the retired England international wrote.

"I could see that, in the right mood, he was a quality footballer, but the rest of his career seemed like a spectacular waste of talent. That was my opinion of Balotelli."

The 35-year-old then explained how he experienced Balotelli's flaws first-hand and why he believes the 25-year-old is wasting his talent.

"We got on fine. I still tried to help him and I kept looking for chances to praise him, but I could see why Mourinho had been right when he said Balotelli is unmanageable," he added.

"He is very talented, with the potential to be world class, but he'll never get there because of his mentality and the people around him. Balotelli's always late, he always wants attention.

"He says the wrong things on social media. For me, he doesn't work hard enough on a daily basis. You're always fighting a losing battle with Balotelli. He does too many things wrong."

Balotelli has joined former club AC Milan on loan and made his competitive debut in the Milan derby on Sunday.

Do you think Balotelli is wasting his talent? Have your say in the comments section below.

Mario Balotelli has changed radically, insists AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani

Mario Balotelli has 'changed radically' after leaving Liverpool, according to AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani.

The Italy striker gained a bad-boy reputation in England following his stints with Liverpool and Manchester City, and often made headlines for his off-the-field antics.

Yet Galliani has spoken about how Balotelli looks a different player to the one who left Milan for Merseyside in August 2014.

Mario Balotelli has 'changed radically' after leaving Liverpool, insists AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani

Former Liverpool striker Balotelli gained a questionable reputation in England for his off-the-field antics

'He has an extraordinary attitude, he's changed radically,' Galliani said. 'He's the first to arrive [at the training centre] and the last to leave.

'Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic often wants the players to have breakfast at 8:30am, and he's always there before 8am.

'He's probably realised that this is his last chance and I'm sure he won't waste it. His technical ability has never been in question.

'If he continues with the approach he's had in this first week then he'll be fine.'

Balotelli of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match against Empoli on Saturday evening

Mario Balotelli is a reformed character says Milan CEO Adriano Galliani

Mario Balotelli is a reformed character since returning to Italy this summer, according to the chief executive of Milan, Adriano Galliani.

The Italian striker has enjoyed a colourful if immature past and he had a good behaviour clause inserted into his contract when he returned to Milan on loan from Liverpool banning extravagant haircuts and clothing.

He failed to make an impression after his £16m transfer to Merseyside where his work-rate and commitment were called into question but Galliani insisted his behaviour so far has been beyond reproach.

“He has an extraordinary attitude, he’s changed radically,” Galliani said. “He’s the first to arrive at [the training centre] and the last to leave.

“Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic often wants the players to have breakfast at 8.30am and he’s always there before eight.

“He’s probably realised that this is his last chance and I’m sure he won’t waste it. His technical ability has never been in question. If he continues with the approach he’s had in this first week then he’ll be fine.”

Balotelli’s first spell at Milan was relatively successful, with a respectable scoring rate, although there were some misdemeanours. He lost his temper in front of the cameras after one performance was criticised by Italian television pundits, telling his interviewers that they did not understand football and throwing his microphone down.

He was also booked for making a vulgar gesture at Cagliari supporters, served two three-match bans and was caught smoking in the toilet of a train by a ticket collector.

However, these incidents paled in comparison to some of his antics at Manchester City earlier in his career, such as when he and some friends famously let off fireworks in his bathroom, leading to his house being set on fire.