Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali admits he didn't mix with Mario Balotelli off the pitch.

Reports in Italy on Saturday morning say Brescia owner Massimo Cellino sent Balotelli a letter requesting the termination of his three-year contract at the club.

“Do I view him as a wasted talent? No, I look at him, stop and go: 'What a talent'," the Italy starlet told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“In training, he does things that only very few can. Why 'wasted'? He played for great teams, scored lots of goals and won things.

“He loves us young players on the team. Being 30, he's one of the older heads: he gives us advice, a bit like a father.

“He can give us a thousand tips on the pitch. He's the one with the most experience. Away from it, maybe I look more to Gastaldello or Dessena..."