Andrea Pirlo has claimed that Mario Balotelli still has the potential to become one of the elite strikers in Europe.

The Liverpool forward is surplus to requirements at Anfield following the arrivals of Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke this summer, and a miserable stay on Merseyside is expected to end with a return to his homeland, with several Serie A clubs reportedly interested.

However, Pirlo, who played with Balotelli for Italy, thinks that the Reds frontman still has the ability to develop into one of the continent's best.

Pirlo told Shortlist: "He made mistakes when he was younger, he knows this, but I hope next season goes well for him, because I still believe he has all the attributes to be one of the top forwards in Europe.

"I'll tell you that Mario is one of the nicest guys you will meet. I used to walk into training in Italy and even before he said something I could just look at his face and I would start laughing. There are never boring moments when Mario is around."

Pirlo moved to MLS side New York City FC earlier this summer from Juventus.