Mario Balotelli looks certain to leave Liverpool this summer after it was revealed that the player has been excluded from the side’s final pre-season friendlies this weekend and been ordered to train away from the first-team.
The 24-year-old Italian international endured a dismal first season at the Reds, and has been pushed further behind the pecking order by summer signings Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke.
It is no secret that the player would rather turn down a return to the Serie A, in order to prove himself at the English giants, but he appears to be getting pushed out the exit door.
According to The Independent, Balotelli, along with teammate Fabio Borini, has been left out of the squad to tackle HJK Helsinki and Swindon Town on the weekend by boss Brendan Rodgers.
In a further blow, it has been revealed that Rodgers has also ordered the enigmatic striker to train alone and away from the first-team at times in recent weeks.
It remains to be seen whether Balotelli accepts a cut-price move back to Italy, with teams such as Sampdoria, Carpi and Bologna all interested, but developments are expected next week.
