Mario Balotelli Completes £16m Liverpool Transfer

He's Back: Balotelli Completes Liverpool Move
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Liverpool have sealed the £16 million signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.

The 24-year-old has agreed a "long-term deal" according to the club, but is unable to make his Reds bow at former club Manchester City tonight.

The Italy striker tweeted the news of his signing minutes ahead of the official club announcement, saying: "YNWA! COME ON LIVERPOOL!"

The club said in a statement: "Liverpool can confirm they have completed the signing of Italy striker Mario Balotelli, subject to registration.

"The 24-year-old sealed his switch to Anfield from AC Milan after passing a medical and agreeing a long-term deal to become the Reds' ninth signing of the summer so far."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers added: "This transfer represents outstanding value for the club. Mario is a world-class talent."

Balotelli is the ninth arrival during a hectic summer at Anfield as Rodgers prepares for a season with Champions League football back on the agenda.

He helped City to their first trophy in 35 years with the 2011 FA Cup and played a pivotal role in their first title in 44 years the following year.

However, Balotelli managed just two goals during five feckless months of the 2012-13 campaign before he was sold to Milan in the January transfer window after a heated training ground altercation with then-manager Roberto Mancini.

Balotelli has also won the Champions League, three Serie A titles, plus 33 caps for Italy during which he has scored 13 goals, including the strike that accounted for England in the World Cup.