Moroccan international Adel Taarabt has added to Mario Balotelli's woes after dismissing suggestions the misfiring Liverpool striker was a world class player.

Queens Park Rangers striker Taarabt spent half a season on loan at AC Milan, where he played alongside Balotelli before the Italy international signed for Liverpool at the start of the season.

Taarabt also returned to England in time for the new season but has been training on his own recently amid a spat with QPR manager Harry Redknapp.

Taarabt confirmed recent reports in Italy when he admitted he was looking to return to Serie A and would play for Milan for free.

The 25-year-old, meanwhile, said he was not impressed by Balotelli during his five-month spell at the Serie A club.

"Everyone told me he was great. I've played with him and he is good but he didn't strike me as a world class player," Taarabt said in an interview with the Sky Football Night programme on Sky Sport.

"He's a normal player, not a phenomenon. He has a strong shot but he's not a team player, or if he is then he's doing as he is now at Liverpool and not scoring."

When he arrived on loan at Milan in January 2014, Taarabt remarked: "I want to be the new Balotelli."

But the French-born Moroccan added on Balotelli: "He has had so many chances, from (Manchester) City to Milan, and he's wasted them.

"I would give up my salary to play for Milan again. English football is more attractive and at a very high level, but I prefer Italy."