Liverpool gives round-the-clock handler to Balotelli to keep him out of trouble

Italian striker Mario Balotelli has reportedly been provided a round-the-clock minder by his club Liverpool to keep him out of trouble.

Liverpool bosses are desperate to avoid a repeat of unpredictable Balotelli's controversial antics at his former club Manchester City and have given the Italian a minder who accompanies the striker everywhere and stays at his rented 1.8 million pounds mansion in north Liverpool.

When driving to restaurants, training or matches in his red Ferrari, the 1,10,000 pounds-a-week player is escorted by the handler in a silver Audi, The Mirror reported.

The bodyguard carried Balotelli's clothes out of Anfield after his appearance against rivals Everton in a 1-1 derby draw. The 16 million pounds striker, who stayed on the bench during Liverpool's 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, is even accompanied on the team coach.

A source said that Balotelli has somebody alongside him at all times to ensure there are no unwanted incidents, adding that the man with the striker has had a long-standing relationship and performed a wide range of duties with Liverpool and is also said to be well-respected within the club.

Balotelli, labelled unmanageable by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, has a history of controversy, including throwing darts at a Manchester City youth player and driving into a female jail, the report added.