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Mario Balotelli days at Liverpool could well be numbered, says Andy Dunn

Andy Dunns says Mario Balotelli could be heading for Anfield exit
Image: Andy Dunn says Mario Balotelli could be heading for Anfield exit

Andy Dunn admitted he would not be surprised if enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli has played his last game in a Liverpool shirt.

Balotelli was left out of the Reds’ squad for their FA Cup fourth round clash with Bolton at Anfield, despite boss Brendan Rodgers insisting the former Manchester City forward is fully fit following illness.

The move to Anfield was seen by many as Balotelli’s last chance to prove that he has the temperament to succeed at the highest level, but his performances in a Liverpool shirt have done little to prove the naysayers wrong.

Dunn of the Sunday Mirror, told Sunday Supplement that he believes that after a conversation with Rodgers, Balotelli’s days on Merseyside could be numbered.

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The Sunday Supplement believe Mario Balotelli's Liverpool career is all but over after his omission from their FA Cup squad

“Brendan Rodgers explained exactly what was wrong – that he felt Balotelli could not play the high pressing game that Liverpool favour and the implication was that in training he was far less impressive than many others there including teenager Jordan Rossiter, who was on the bench yesterday,” he said.

“Brendan said that if you are not at it in training everyday then you won’t be in the squad, and that is what has happened to Balotelli.

“Liverpool have been playing without a conventional striker, and Balotelli can’t even get on the bench.

“Brendan said he was confident that Balotelli will respond in training, but when has Balotelli ever taken on board any message?

“For me his days are numbered, and I would not be surprised if we don’t see Mario Balotelli in a Liverpool shirt again.

“What I do not understand is if Liverpool want to play that high pressing game, have they not been watching Balotelli for the last three or four years? That is just not his game. Why sign him? Whose signing was it?”

Balotelli completed a £16million to Anfield in the summer after being linked with several clubs around Europe following a stint back in his native Italy with AC Milan.

Sean Custis of The Sun openly questioned the wisdom of signing the 24-year-old after so many problems off the pitch.

“When he was mooted at £30million in the summer, Brendan Rodgers immediately said no way, we are not interested, we don’t want to sign him,” Custis said.

“Then the rumours escalated, and when £16million was mentioned Rodgers changed his mind.

“It seems like the money men at Liverpool have a fair influence over their manager, and said this is good value for money.

“Brendan obviously thought he could reinvigorate Balotelli, and if it works, he can prove what a good manager he is.

“I do wonder why Rodgers can’t try and get more out of him.”

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