Watch Mario Balotelli react to seeing Erling Haaland wear his No45 Man City kit in old footage from when he was a kid

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MARIO BALOTELLI claimed Erling Haaland “learnt good” after seeing him wearing his old Manchester City shirt.

The Italian appeared on BT Sport as a pundit ahead of tonight’s Champions League final.

Anticipating the 32-year-old’s appearance, producers managed to dig up a clip of Haaland wearing a Man City shirt with “Balotelli 45” on the back.

After being shown the clip, presenter Jake Humphrey asked Balotelli for his reaction.

The striker sheepishly said: “I don’t know. It’s good. He learnt good.”

Further quizzed what he thinks of Haaland as a player, Balotelli added: “I think he’s amazing.

“He’s like a predator in the area. Obviously outside he has a big sprint, he’s very fast – but he can score.

“You need to bring the ball to him, but on five chances he scores five goals, amazing striker.”

Haaland, 22, entered tonight’s final having bagged 52 goals in all competitions for City.

Earlier in the day, Balotelli reunited with Rio Ferdinand on screen – 11 years after their Manchester derby bust-up.

Super Mario also offered his pre-match prediction – as well as revealing why he wanted the game to finish within 90 minutes.

The former Inter Milan and City ace said: “I hope one of the two wins.

“But especially wins quickly – not extra time because traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”

Ferdinand then chipped in: “He’s got a party to go to.”

Balotelli chuckled as he replied: “No, no.”

Ferdinand, 44, offered up his own prediction – opting for a 2-0 City win.

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