Mario Balotelli posts heartfelt tribute to 'second father' Mino Raiola

Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has posted a moving tribute to 'second father' Mino Raiola after the super-agent tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 54.

The Italian-Dutch agent was one of most recognised agents in world football, who's high-profile clientele included the likes of Erling Haaland, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The agent was falsely pronounced dead on Thursday.

On Saturday, Raiola's family posted a tribute to their lost family member and confirmed his passing after a recent battle with a lung disease. Famous faces across football have posted tributes with Balotelli becoming one of the latest.

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Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester City and Liverpool forward wrote: "You will always be with me in life and in football! Your reproaches, aid, advice, jokes and strategies will always be in my head.

"I LOVE YOU AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU as a second father and I know that from up there you will always be present in our lives! Have a good trip Mino," - followed by a love heart emoji.

The Italian had hit out at journalists who had jumped the gun to falsely pronounce the death of the agent: "You need to be first huh? Shame on you and seriously be ashamed of your education, respect, values and responsibilities! #StayStrongMino."

On Saturday, the Raiola family released a statement confirming Mino's passing, read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing Football Agent there ever was. Mino fought to the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend our players. As usual, Mino made us proud and never realised it.

“Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football. His presence will forever be missed. Mino's mission of making football a better place for players will continue with the same passion.

“We thank everybody for the huge amount of support received during these difficult times and ask for respect to the privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief. The Raiola Family.”