Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard shows Mario Balotelli when to swap shirts

Steven Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard showed Mario Balotelli the way after the Italian striker was spotted swapping shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe while trailing the Spanish giants 3-0 at half-time during their UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday.

Balotelli has been under intense scrutiny following his £16 million summer move from AC Milan, having scored just one goal in his first two months at the club. The 24-year old’s display against Real Madrid, which was his worst yet, was only going to increase the scrutiny on him.

And by indulging in swapping shirts with Pepe as the players were heading towards the tunnel, he has managed to further risk the wrath of his Liverpool team-mates and supporters alike.

Gerrard, meanwhile, showed exactly why he is so highly respected by the Liverpool faithful by refusing to swap shirts with Alvaro Arbeloa in the vicinity of the fans. Following the full-time whistle, Arbeloa rushed towards Gerrard and seemed to plead for the latter’s famous No.8 shirt.

The Liverpool captain accepted Arbeloa’s request, but insisted on the exchange happening inside the dressing rooms.

A delighted Arbeloa with Gerrard's shirt pic.twitter.com/sTdeLDn62r

— Mersey Reds (@MerseyReds1) October 23, 2014

If Balotelli is to make a success of his spell at the Anfield club, he will not only have to start scoring goals soon, but also recognize the need to act with prudence and not hurt the feelings of Liverpool fans.