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Mario Balotelli: Liverpool complete £16m transfer

Italy striker Mario Balotelli has completed his £16m move to Liverpool from Serie A side AC Milan.

The former Manchester City player, 24, agreed a long-term deal with the Merseyside outfit but did not feature as Liverpool lost 3-1 to his old club on Monday night.

Balotelli left City 17 months ago after scoring 30 goals in three seasons.

Mario BalotelliGetty Images

Balotelli sat next to fellow new g Adam Lallana at the Etihad Stadium

"I think we have done a really smart piece of business here," said Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

"This transfer represents outstanding value for the club."

Balotelli, who will wear the number 45 shirt, said he had made an error leaving England 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."

Balotelli tweetTwitter

The former Inter Milan player added: "English football is generally better. English football is beautiful."

Balotelli will watch Liverpool's game at City from the directors' box after meeting up with his new team-mates in the changing rooms before the match. After the game, he will travel back to Liverpool on the team coach.

"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.

Balotelli trains at Melwood in Liverpool kitXposure

Before his move was announced, Balotelli was photographed in Liverpool kit at the club's training ground

"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 ers will make him feel very welcome."

Liverpool are understood to have sought assurances from Balotelli, who has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances for his country, about his commitment and off-field behaviour.

Balotelli unveils his 'Why Always Me