Mario Balotelli surprises fans at a laundrette but can't turn on the washing machine

ODDBALL: The Liverpool striker had no idea how to work the machines

The Liverpool star quizzed lifelong fan Terry Johnson on the machines in kit that “looked like it needed a good wash”.

But then Italian striker Balotelli, 24, sped off in his chauffeur-driven Mercedes without using the launderette near the Reds’ Melwood training ground.

Terry, 77, said: “I knew who he was straight away after he came in.

"I said: ‘Hey lad, what are you doing in here?’

"He said that he was interested to know how it worked and I said he needs some quids for the washers and a pile of 20ps for the driers.

"I also told him to be careful not to mix up his reds and whites.

He just chuckled and continued looking around like he was a kid in a museum or something.

"He was wearing a baseball cap and this black tracksuit kind of thing that looked like it could do with a good wash or iron.”

The bizarre incident came as Balotelli received a barrage of vile racist abuse after mocking Manchester United on Twitter.

After Liverpool’s great rivals lost 5-3 to Leicester Balotelli tweeted: “Man utd....LOL.”

One moron, whose account has since been suspended, said: “F*** you Mario you f***ing n***er. Go eat some bananas and get ebola you dirty monkey.”

Merseyside Police confirmed they are aware of the abuse and are investigating.