Saturday 7 March 2015 12:46, UK
Mario Balotelli's agent claims Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is pushing the striker out of his comfort zone.
The 24-year-old has worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Roberto Mancini but it appears Rodgers is the one who has pushed the Italy international further than anyone has before in his career.
"Right now, I think Mario has a very interesting development for his career," Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola told RMC Sport.
He has found a coach who asks of him things that had never been requested of him until now, including the discipline of running without the ball.
"He has found a coach who asks of him things that had never been requested of him until now, including the discipline of running without the ball.
"This allows him to grow as a person and as a football player. He'll come out even stronger.
"He is proud of his team (Liverpool) and that is the most important."
Balotelli, who has managed just one Premier League goal, has had a less-than-impressive start to his Anfield career after a £16million move from AC Milan in the summer and has come in for criticism during his time.
He has started only once since November 8 - in the Europa League exit to Besiktas last week - and has scored only four goals, all in different competitions for the Merseysiders.
Having been an unused substitute for the second successive match Balotelli, after the 2-0 midweek win over Burnley, posted a cryptic message on Instagram.
The Italian wrote: "Someone doesn't like me but differently (sic) of what they say about me I'm a team player and I'm so proud of my team, of this win and of these fans! Let's keep going. Bravi Ragazzi!!! YNWA !!!"
