Balotelli's agent brands Klopp a 'piece of s---' for Liverpool exit

Mario Balotelli's agent labelled Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ''piece of s---" for showing the Italian forward the Anfield exit.

Mino Raiola minced no words describing the German manager, who told Balotelli to find another club before the end of the transfer window.

In the end, the 26-year-old joined Nice on a free transfer, turning down moves to other clubs in Italy, China, and England.

Related: Balotelli moves to Nice, ending Liverpool nightmare

"I don't judge him as a coach - although for me he's not a good coach - but it seems he doesn't realise that we are talking about a person," Raiold told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Mario has been exemplary, he has never complained about training alone. To say Klopp was wrong is an understatement. He was a piece of s---."

To his credit, Klopp hailed Balotelli in July for his "world-class" work ethic in practice sessions, and seemed to have his best interests at heart when discussing alternative options. There was also a clear line of communication between the player and manager.

"There will be a club around who would be happy to have a new Mario Balotelli if you like," said the former Borussia Dortmund gaffer. "I have clearly spoken to the player about that."

But Raiola - who took centre stage this summer as he brokered Paul Pogba's world-record transfer to Manchester United - believes even the Liverpool hierarchy disagreed with Klopp's decision to ostracise Balotelli.

"In the end, the higher-ups at Liverpool admitted that Klopp was wrong," claimed the Dutch-Italian super agent.

Raiola did concede Nice took a risk in signing Balotelli, who has scored just two league goals over the past two years. A debilitating groin injury sidelined the former AC Milan striker during his second stint with the Rossoneri last season, but he still failed to make an impact in 20 Serie A appearances.

"It's normal to consider him a risk because he didn't meet expectations in the last two years. From that point of view, it is a gamble, but I would take that gamble all my life," Raiola said. "If you're lucky, you win the league. If it's so-so, you arrive in the top five. If it goes wrong, oh well."