Former Republic of Ireland managaer Giovanni Trapattoni has urged Mario Balotelli to make the most of his seemingly imminent move to Liverpool.

The Italian, in his own inimitable way, compared the Italian striker to a “horse with uncontrollable desires” and warned that time is running out for him to make the most of his talent.

Balotelli is on the verge of a €20 million move to Liverpool from AC Milan. The 24-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most gifted strikers in the world but his temperament has been questioned after a number of high profile incidents on and off the pitch,

“I have worked with (Antonio) Cassano, who is like Balotelli, “ Trapattoni told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Mario strikes me from a human point of view. When I see a guy cry, you understand that they have the important things on the inside.

“A coach should never stop talking to those who have a sensitive soul. I did this until night time when my players went into their rooms. It was right way to deal with champions like (Michel) Platini, or (Zbigniew) Boniek.

“For a coach it is essential to manage the relationships within a group and with a man like Balotelli.”

Addressing Balotelli directly, Trapattoni added that his career will be short and he will soon be “old and forgotten” if he is not careful.

“Dear Mario, remember you are a horse with uncontrollable desires,” said Trapattoni. “You have class, enthusiasm and contractual power. Don’t spoil this moment of your life. A footballer’s career is short, and the right train might pass, one, two or three times. Not thousands.

“Then you suddenly find yourself old and forgotten. There is only one person who can help . . . Balotelli.”

Balotelli has reportedly agreed to a significant pay cut at Liverpool, with some reports suggesting it’s as much as 50 per cent. It is also understood there are behavioural clause in his new three-year Anfield deal, expected to be finalised in the coming in days.