Francesco Totti Slams Mario Balotelli, Talks Up Stevan Jovetic Roma Transfer

Roma and Italy legend Francesco Totti has slammed Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli, claiming the player "doesn't listen to anyone" when they are trying to help him.

David Amoyal, football columnist for GianlucaDiMarzio.com, cited the Golden One speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport about the controversial former AC Milan star:

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Totti and Balotelli were both famously involved in an altercation in 2010, which saw the Roma player sent off for kicking Balotelli. The then-Inter Milan attacker accused Totti of racism, per Gazetta dello Sport (h/t ESPN FC).

Totti completely rejected Balotelli's claims, launching a verbal retort at his opponent via Corriere dello Sport, per ESPN FC, saying Balotelli had insulted the people of his city and himself:

"

Hearing an absolute beginner, but nevertheless someone with great gifts, repeatedly offending my fans, my city, my sense of belonging to Rome, as well as me personally, telling me that I am finished is unbearable.

"

Balotelli has had a torrid time since returning to the Premier League after signing for Liverpool.

The striker has only scored twice for his new team in 14 appearances—once in the Champions League and once in the League Cup—per WhoScored.com.

His poor form has drawn criticism from all quarters, with Anfield legend Jamie Carragher proclaiming Balotelli will soon be shown the door by Brendan Rodgers, per Sky Sports:

"

I can’t change the way I feel about Balotelli, and that’s nothing to do with what he’s done in a Liverpool shirt. It’s what he’s done at Man City, what he’s done at AC Milan.

Do I think he’s going to be here long term? No. I’d be surprised to see him here next season if I’m being honest. These players, who are continually moved on, it’s for a reason.

"

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Carragher's words are a frank and fair assessment, and it falls in line with Totti's own opinion. Whoever Balotelli's manager seems to be, year after year, the player's attitude always tends to be questionable.

Totti also spoke about his own club to La Gazzetta Dello Sport and has endorsed Stevan Jovetic as his heir apparent.

Amoyal once again quoted the player's thoughts:

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The 25-year-old has struggled for game time at Manchester City since his move to the Premier League champions in 2013, suffering a mixture of indifferent form and injury.

But there has been a good improvement in his overall play during the current campaign, which has seen the player net twice in his six Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.

A move to Roma would surely appeal to Jovetic given their status in Serie A. He is without doubt behind Sergio Aguero and Eden Dzeko at City and will only feature during an injury crisis, or in less important games.

Balotelli will continue to find life in England difficult, with every defender out to force him to make errors of judgement—both mentally and physically. If he cannot show that he can change, his trip to the north-west could be dramatically cut short once again.