Mario Balotelli Instagram post: Liverpool striker posts picture of himself in chains gazing through medieval dungeon doorway

Bizarre post from the Italy international comes in aftermath of 6-1 loss to Stoke City

(Mario Balotelli/Instagram)

Like trying to decipher the meaning of dreams, attempting to decode the brain of Mario Balotelli is probably a pointless task.

But we can't help ourselves after the Liverpool striker's bizarre Instagram post.

Following the conclusion of Liverpool's woeful season, which was compounded by a 6-1 defeat to Stoke City on the final day of the season, the Italian had a message for the fans.

Only, it wasn't quite clear what that message was.

He posted a mocked-up picture of himself in full Liverpool kit, shackled in metal chains, in some sort of medieval dungeon setting. A skull, a sword and a cobweb decorate the picture. The Italian appears to be gazing through a doorway in the image, with the new Wembley visible in the distance. It was accompanied by the message: "Thanks to Liverpool fans for this year .... I'm loading for next season. #beast"

So what does it mean?

Is it in reference to him being shackled by Brendan Rodgers, who started him in just 10 league games this season? Was it related to him not being given a chance to play in the defeat at the Britannia? Does it refer to the FA Cup semi-final defeat against Aston Villa, in which the Italian had to make do with coming on as a half-time substitute? Is it to suggest he will be 'unleashed' next season?

We'll probably never know.