Liverpool's Mario Balotelli barred from bringing pet pig into Britain

Many reasons have been put forward to explain Mario Balotelli's less than impressive start to his Liverpool career - but the root of the issue might juts have been found.

The £16m summer signing has been prevented his pet pig - named 'Super' due to the government's policy on importing animals.

The 24 year-old forward who has scored just oen goal since joining from AC Milan must register himself as a breeder before obtaining a certificate from a vet in Italy which verifies that the pig is healthy enough to travel.

According to the Sun, Balotelli has not given up hope of bringing over the black spotted pig and has told his teammates that he will do what it takes.

It comes after Roberto Mancini warned the Italian that his stint at Liverpool would be his 'last chance' to prove himself at a big club.

Mancini said: "Mario is a good guy, but he is aware that Liverpool is probably his final opportunity to prove what he can do on the pitch. It's his last chance."