Liverpool have completed the signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.
Balotelli, 24, underwent a two-part medical in Manchester and Liverpool on Friday and Saturday after the Reds agreed a 16 million-pound fee with Milan. The Italy international, who has signed a long-term deal, met his new teammates on Monday and took part in a short training session, while he will travel to watch them face his former club Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening.He told Liverpool's official website: "I always start a....
competition wanting to win it. We will see. I want to win another Champions League for sure, because the Champions League wasn't all mine, I was in a team. I want to take this team to the Champions League.''
Balotelli also admitted that just 18 months back in Milan had convinced him he should return to the Premier League. He added: "I'm happy to be back because I left England and it was a mistake. I wanted to go to Italy but I realised it was a mistake. English football is generally better. English football is beautiful.''
Balotelli was given a rough ride by Liverpool fans during his visits to Anfield while with City, but he has already been given a warm welcome by supporters who had been mourning the departure of Luis Suarez.
He added: "I didn't expect it [the warm reception] because whenever I played against Liverpool, the fans weren't nice with me but that's normal -- it's football! Now that I play for Liverpool, I can see the expectation in people. They're very happy and that makes me very happy at the same time.
"To play here for Liverpool excites me, but if you're an opponent it's difficult. Liverpool are one of the best teams here in England. 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 that the deal was "outstanding value'' for a "world-class talent''.
He told the club's official website: "This transfer represents outstanding value for the club and I think we have done a really smart piece of business here. 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.''
Culled - Espnfc
Comon Reds #LFC....#YNWA!!!
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