Despite a £16million transfer fee behind him, Balotelli managed to score just four goals in 28 games in all competitions last season

Balotelli has been told he has no future at Liverpool after failing to impress for the club since joining them from AC Milan

The 25-year-old striker has consolidated his maverick reputation

Mario Balotelli's maverick reputation shows no signs of letting up. Even in exile from the Liverpool first-team, the Italy international striker is still raising eyebrows.

The latest installment in his absurd lifestyle has seen him work with sportswear brand Puma to release an unusually designed pair of children's football boots - with a mohican-style patch of material on the heels.

The boots, available via online shopping site Zalando for £38.00, are perhaps a sign that Balotelli is struggling for things to do after being told in no uncertain terms that he has no future at Anfield.

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has worked with Puma to release an unusual set of football boots

Balotelli's design features a mohican-style patch of material on the heels and confirms his maverick status

Balotelli's boot design is available for £38.00 via the online shopping site Zalando

The unusual boots are accompanied by a matching football which also has a mohican-style patch

Balotelli is well known for his own distinct mohican hairstyle as well as his controversial behaviour

Balotelli signed for Liverpool last summer from AC Milan for a £16million fee, but fell well short of expectations in his first campaign for the club.

The 25-year-old managed just four goals in 28 games in all competitions and was criticised for his poor discipline by manager Brendan Rodgers.

Balotelli, though, is reluctant to leave Liverpool this summer, as he will pick up a six-figure loyalty bonus if he stays on.

Italian club Sampdoria have been linked with a move for Balotelli, but his £90,000 weekly wage is thought to have provided a stumbling block.

Balotelli did not feature in any of Liverpool's pre-season tours and has so far sat out both of their games in the Premier League.

Balotelli has not featured in either of Liverpool's Premier League games so far this season

The Italy international striker has been told that he can leave Anfield after failing to impress on Merseyside