Italy international, Mario Balotelli, has completed his £16m move to Liverpool from Serie A side AC Milan.
Balotelli sealed his switch to Anfield after passing a medical and agreeing a long-term deal to become the Reds’ ninth signing of the summer so far.
The 24-year-old, who arrived at Melwood on Monday afternoon to put the finishing touches to the transfer before undergoing a one-on-one session with Liverpool’s head of conditioning and fitness, Ryland Morgans, described the Brendan Rodgers’ side as the best team in England
‘I’m very happy. We’ve been talking about coming here and now 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”. The 24 year old said on the club’s official website.
Balotelli, who will wear the number 45 shirt, also revealed he had made an error leaving England on in January 2013.
“I’m happy to be back because I left England and it was a mistake,” he said. “I wanted to go to Italy, but I realised it was a mistake.”
“English football is generally better. English football is beautiful.”
Balotelli watched Liverpool’s game at City from the directors’ box after meeting his new team-mates in the changing rooms before the match. After the game, he will travel back to Liverpool on the team coach
Coach Brendan Rodgers, is of the view that Liverpool made a smart business move by signing the volatile player after the sale of last season’s top scorer, Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
“This transfer represents outstanding value for the club and I think we have done a really smart piece of business here”. Rodgers said
“There is no doubting Mario’s ability,” added Rodgers. “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”.
The Ghanaian born – Italian was a big hit with City supporters, helping the club win a first league title since 1968.
But he was also in the headlines for several off-the-pitch incidents, including a training-ground row with then-manager Roberto Mancini and in his second season in Manchester, he scored only three goals in 20 games.
The striker agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Milan in January 2013 and played for Italy at the World Cup in Brazil scoring against England
Liverpool are understood to have sought assurances from Balotelli about his commitment and off-field behaviour as he is known to be a controversial figure, who has fallen out with previous managers and got into scrapes off the pitch.
