On Monday Liverpool completed the capture of Italian international striker Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.
Balotelli arrives at Anfield in a $26 million transfer fee and signed a long-term deal with the Reds to help bolster their frontline. Balotelli becomes the Reds’ ninth signing of the summer and was pictured training at the clubs Melwood base on Monday morning before his signing was announced.
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One of the most enigmatic and precocious talents in the game, Balotelli, 24, is now tasked with replacing Liverpool’s former star striker, Luis Suarez, who left for Barcelona this summer.
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If Balotelli can hit the ground running on Merseyside, the Reds will have got a bargain but Brendan Rodgers’ side know that nothing is straight forward when it comes to ‘Super Mario’ and with his acquisition comes a large dose of risk. After his drawn out transfer from Italy back to England, Liverpool have ultimately decided that Balotelli is worth the risk, as he will link up with Daniel Sturridge in attack as the Reds aim for PL and UEFA Champions League domination.
[PHOTO: Balotelli trains with Liverpool]
Speaking of his move to Liverpool, Balotelli told the club website he is delighted to get everything sealed.
Balotelli scored 30 goals in 80 games for Man City during a three-year stint at the Etihad from 2010-13, and has been a big hit at AC Milan since joining last January in a $32 million move. Balotelli has banged in 30 goals in 54 games for the Milanese outfit and will bring his power, pace and strength to Liverpool’s attack which is looking slightly lackluster after losing Suarez over the summer. The Italian scored the winning goal against England at the World Cup this summer but the Azzurri bowed out at the group stage as the young striker failed to impact games against Costa Rica and Uruguay which followed.
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His on and off the field issues will need to be addressed but Balotelli’s growing maturity suggests he can fulfill his potential at Anfield. His personality make him a superstar in the eyes of fans and the media, as Liverpool aim to quell the exit of Suarez by adding another eccentric genius to their attack.
Let’s see how this pans out. Whatever happens, life is never dull when ‘Super Mario’ is around.