The future of Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is in his own hands, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Italian striker has not travelled with the Anfield club for their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, staying behind on Merseyside along with fellow fringe players Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique.
However, Balotelli - who scored just one goal in 16 Premier League appearances last term - appears no closer to a Liverpool exit and could yet stay for a second season, having arrived from Milan last year.
"Mario is obviously not on tour but working hard and training well with a number of other players at Melwood," Rodgers said.
"I'm not sure [if he will be with us next season], that will entirely be up to Mario.
"He is working hard to get fit and we will see when the season begins."
