Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli reportedly likes to spend his time off playing paintball in the back garden of his own home.

The controversial Italy international has had a poor start to his Liverpool career having scored just twice since moving to Anfield from AC Milan in the summer.

According to the Daily Star, Balotelli and his friends have been spotted kitted out in overalls and safety visors to play paintball with £200 guns in the back garden of the striker's property in Formby, Merseyside.

Balotelli, who is said to have cost the Reds £16m, is currently out of action with a groin problem that he suffered while on international duty last month.