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.