Mario Balotelli to reporters: 'I don't speak Italian anymore'

It appears the exposure to Scouse is really rubbing off on Mario Balotelli.

The Liverpool striker has only been away from Italy for a little under a year, and already claims he doesn't speak the native language.

While it was likely a tactic to avoid questions from the media, Balotelli surprised reporters while watching an exhibition match.

"Beware, I do not speak Italian anymore," he said, in Italian, when asked about his brother, Enoch, according to the London Evening Standard.

Balotelli joined Liverpool last summer following an unsuccessful spell with AC Milan. He had previously spent time with Manchester City after leaving Inter Milan in 2010.

He'll return to Anfield and attempt to improve on a pitiful first season with the Reds, with whom he only managed one goal in 16 Premier League appearances.