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 put on negotiation tables to defend our players. As usual, Mino made us proud and never realised it.
“Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football. His presence will forever be missed. Mino's mission of making football a better place for players will continue with the same passion.
“We thank everybody for the huge amount of support received during these difficult times and ask for respect to the privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief. The Raiola Family.”
Balotelli is just one of Raiola's vast clientele who have paid tribute to the famous agent since the news broke. Shortly after hitting a hat-trick in Borussia Dortmund 's 4-3 Bundesliga defeat to Bochum on Saturday, Haaland posted a picture of him alongside Raiola, with with the caption “The best”.
Everton forward Moise Kean, who is currently on loan at Juventus also took to Instagram to pay his respects to Raiola. Accompanied by a picture of the agent aiming his middle finger at the camera and a video of the pair laughing and chatting together, the Italian wrote: "I still can’t believe it, you took me out from the streets and you made me learn so many principles in life.
"To be honest, it’s not a goodbye for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. R.I.P BIG Boss."
