Circus has left town for ‘mature’ Mario

MARIO BALOTELLI’S antics are set to be consigned to history with Brendan Rodgers adamant there will be no repeat at Liverpool of his previous eccentric behaviour.

Throwing darts at a youth-team player, driving around the grounds of a women’s prison and setting off fireworks in his own home all appear on Balotelli’s charge sheet in recent years.

The Italian striker, who moved to Anfield from AC Milan for £16 million this week, has also clashed with team-mates and managers at previous clubs – Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho having once described him as “unmanageable”.

Balotelli’s behaviour has also acquired him a cult status outside football, with other antics often incorrectly attributed to him.

But when asked whether he expected a repeat of the circus which followed Balotelli at Manchester City, Liverpool boss Rodgers was clear.

“That won’t be here,” he said. “It’s a different style. This won’t be the Mario Balotelli show every week, I will tell you that now. Why? Different conditions at Liverpool. You have to

yourself

in a behave Simple.

“I have spoken at length to Mario since he has been here. He is definitely a mature boy. He is very, very bright. The focus is very much on his football and he has done very well.”

Balotelli, 24, does not have a ‘good behaviour’ clause in his contract, although he has been reminded of the code of conduct expected of all players at Liverpool. But his deal carries big incentives towards delivery of performances. Liverpool have also ensured he

will live on Merseyside to

certain

way. enable them to keep a close eye on him. “He is a Liverpool player. He is not in Manchester. He will be here with us,” said Rodgers.

Balotelli has impressed in training to such an extent that he may be handed a place in the starting line-up against Tottenham at White Hart Lane tomorrow, in what will be Rodgers’ 100th game in charge.

And he is convinced Balotelli can fill the breach left by the departure of last season’s top-scorer Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

“Mario now feels that it is time to show the type of player he is,” said