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.

Ranking the Week's 20 Hottest Transfer Rumours: Mario Balotelli, Pedro and More

Another week closer to the end of the transfer window, teams are scurrying trying to add the final pieces to their puzzles to achieve seasonal objectives in 2014-15.

Collating this week's rumours featuring the biggest players and clubs in Europe, we assess which are the biggest and most enticing potential transfers yet to happen in the closing days. Most major league campaigns are up and running now for 2015-16, so late additions can make all the difference.

Again we iterate that the ranking of these rumours is subjective and open to change based on the changing reports of any impending transfers; we order them based on each player's reputation in the game, the rumoured price tag and the size or recent success of the potential buying club.

Mario Balotelli Could Have Matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Says AC Milan Legend

Italy and AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera feels Mario Balotelli had the ability to become one of the greats of his generation. 

The former AC Milan striker’s career is in limbo as Liverpool are desperate to offload a forward they paid £16m to buy last summer, but there are few takers for the mercurial striker.

Balotelli has been grabbing the headlines since his arrival at Liverpool but most of them have been for his off field shenanigans rather than for his performances on the pitch.

After scoring just four goals in a Liverpool shirt, the mercurial Italian is unwanted at Anfield, but Rivera feels the story could have been much different had the striker decided to apply himself to his considerable talent.

The AC Milan great feels Balotelli had the ability to match the greats of his generation, but admits that the striker never applied too much thought to his game.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 71-year-old said: “Balotelli had given me hope, but perhaps his way of thinking didn’t help.

“He could have been at the level of [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he had more belief.”

Balotelli’s future at Liverpool looks bleak as Brendan Rodgers has so far ignored him from all his pre-season squads and he didn’t make it to the match day squad for their game against Stoke City last weekend.

Danny Murphy Doubts Mario Balotelli Was Signed by Brendan Rodgers

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has suggested that Italian striker Mario Balotelli might not have been bought by manager Brendan Rodgers, according to ​talk SPORT.

It's looking likely that Balotelli won't spend another season on Merseyside as Brendan Rodgers has frozen out the out-of-favour forward.

The Italian troublemaker is not the only player to receive the silent treatment from Rodgers, as defender Jose Enrique and Balotelli's compatriot Fabio Borini have also been given the cold shoulder. 

Borini failed to impress Brendan Rodgers last term whilst Jose Enrique spent the entire season on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

"If you take the three players in the headlines at the moment – Enrique, Borini and Balotelli – they’ve all had a fair crack of the whip, really,” Murphy said.

“Enrique has not helped himself; he’s missed a lot of games with poor excuses in the past couple of seasons and he’s not the bravest." 

Murphy also expressed his thoughts on Liverpool's complex transfer committee.

“I think Balotelli has had a fair go in the team."

"Whether Brendan was solely in charge of getting Balotelli in in the first place, I’m not sure, because they’ve got a committee that get players in." 

“And Borini has actually been a player who has been sought after. Sunderland came in for him and offered good money, but he didn’t want to go.” finished Murphy.

Respected journalist Tony Barrett weighed in on the debate, suggesting Balotelli, Divock Origi, Joe Gomez and Lazar Markovic were committee signings.

Barrett continued, alluding the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Christian Benteke were chosen by Rodgers alone.

Mario Balotelli's Liverpool nightmare set to continue after Bologna rule out move

BOLOGNA'S bid to sign Mario Balotelli has stalled due to Liverpool's asking price.

The 24-year-old joined Liverpool last summer from AC Milan for £16m but frustrated manager Brendan Rodgers with a series of indifferent performances.

And Rodgers left Balotelli at their Melwood training ground as they toured Far East and Australia during pre-season.

Sampdoria had expressed an interest in the Italian and Bologna were also said to be keen.

But speaking to Italian website Tuttosport, Bologna director of sport Pantaleo Corvino said: "Balotelli? At the right price I would take it.

Mario Balotelli has fallen out with Brendan Rodgers

"We are out of reach at the level of engagement, but who can afford certain figures is right that offers a chance of recovery to players like him. 

"Our football has to try to find these talents that you are a bit lost after certain errors."