Balotelli joins Liverpool from AC Milan
Liverpool FC on Monday completed the signing of Mario Balotelli from Serie A side, AC Milan for £16m.
The Italy striker, 24, agreed a long-term deal with the Reds in his second stint at an English club but will not feature against his old club, Manchester City on Monday night.
Balotelli said: “I’m happy to be here. Liverpool are one of the best teams here in England and the football is very good here. It’s a great team with young players and that’s why I came here.”
Manager, Brendan Rodgers said: “There is no doubting Mario’s ability. He is a world-class talent and someone who, for such a young age, has vast experience of playing at the very highest level. He has scored goals in the Barclays Premier League, in Italy, in the Champions League and for his country at international level.
“I believe we have the infrastructure, culture and environment to get the best out of him and help him achieve his true potential. We are a strong group here, committed to hard work and he will benefit from being around it.
“I am looking forward to working with him and helping him learn more, improve and progress as a player. I’m sure the supporters will make him feel very welcome.”
Due to Balotelli’s controversial figure however, Liverpool are understood to have warned the Italian about his commitment and off-field behaviour as Rodgers insisted before the deal was done that any player he signs will not be a disruptive influence.
Baloteilli is Liverpool’s ninth signing of the summer transfer window and takes their spending to more than £100m.
