Exclusive – Balotelli DOES have a future at Liverpool, insists club legend Rush

Ian Rush insists Mario Balotelli DOES have a future at Liverpool - despite his half-time shirt swap against Real Madrid.

The Reds striker was seen handing Portugal defender Pepe his shirt as the two sides walked down the tunnel at the break.

Balotelli was removed at half-time of the 3-0 defeat at Anfield, and replaced by Adam Lallana, as Liverpool’s stuttering Champions League campaign suffered another blow.

But club legend Rush, who won the European Cup twice during his time with the club, claims the wayward Italian just needs to start scoring goals for the Merseysiders.

“The Liverpool fans are very knowledgeable, and you just don’t do that,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “I’m sure Brendan Rodgers will have a word with him behind closed doors.

“He still has a future at Liverpool. The fans are some of the most patient, but he has to realise he’s playing at Liverpool Football Club, not just any other club.

“He’s got to show his commitment to the club by proving it on the pitch.”