Liverpool Confirm Mario Balotelli Signing

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Italian international Mario Balotelli from AC Milan for a fee of around £16m.

The former Manchester City star becomes Brendan Rodgers' ninth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic, Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo, Alberto Moreno and Divock Origi, who remains on loan at Lille.

"Liverpool can confirm they have completed the signing of Italy striker Mario Balotelli, subject to registration," the club confirmed in its official website.

"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."

Balotelli returns to the Premier League only a year and a half after leaving Manchester City to sign a three-year deal at Anfield said to be worth £80,000 per week.

"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 admitted.

"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."

He will wear the No. 45 shirt for the Reds and is expected to make his debut at Tottenham on Sunday.

"When I first played three or four games with Inter Milan, when I was young, I had No.45 because the numbers for young players were from No.36 to No.50. I took No.45 because I was joking that four plus five is nine - and I scored in all four games. It brings me luck and that's why I've always kept No.45," he explained.