Harry Redknapp has revealed he tried to sign Mario Balotelli while he was Tottenham manager and has predicted a great future for the Italian.

Balotelli guided Italy into the final of Euro 2012 by scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory over Germany.

The 21-year-old is a volatile character and had a turbulent season although he ultimately secured a Barclays Premier League winners' medal with Manchester City. Redknapp said:

'You never know what you're going to get with Mario Balotelli but one thing is certain - he is a major talent.

Strike a pose: Italy's Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring his second goal against Germany

'He stunned Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final and his second goal was fantastic.

'I actually tried to sign him for Tottenham before he went to Manchester City. I'd admired him for a while and I went over to Italy to watch him play. I was impressed and I met up with him too.

'We wanted him on a loan deal but his club weren't keen and it never happened. Shame because he's definitely got it and, at only 21-years-old, he'll be terrorising defenders for many seasons to come.'

England were beaten by Italy at the quarter-final stage in a game which starkly displayed their deficiencies, specifically an inability to retain possession and inferior technical ability.

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