Mario Balotelli's moving tribute to "second father" Mino Raiola after agent's death at 54

Mario Balotelli has penned an emotional tribute to his "second father" Mino Raiola following the super-agent's death at the age of 54 on Saturday.

The Italian-Dutch negotiator was one of the game's most divisive and iconic figures, whose high-profile clientele included the likes of Erling Haaland, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Rumours of Raiola's ill-health have been rife after he was falsely pronounced dead on Thursday - claims which Raiola himself fiercely hit back at.

However, on Saturday, the super-agent's family confirmed his passing at the age of 54 following a recent battle to overcome a lung disease. Many famous faces from the football world have paid tribute to Raiola following the tragic news and now Balotelli, one of the agent's most iconic clients, has become the latest to pay his respects to his former associate.

Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester City and Liverpool star 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 enigmatic Italian previously hit out at journalists who prematurely proclaimed Raiola had died on Thursday. The Italian blasted: "You need to be first huh? Shame on you and seriously be ashamed of your education, respect, values and responsibilities! #StayStrongMino."

On Saturday, a statement from the Raiola family 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