Having promised fans not to “do a Tottenham”, coach Brendan Rodgers made it clear earlier this summer that he wants more than just strengthening his squad with numerous signings in various positions. The manager also wanted at least one marquee signing to replace Luis Suarez.
In Balotelli, Liverpool now possess a striker with the potential of becoming one of Europe’s best players on the pitch. Like Suarez, “Supermario” is no stranger to controversies – which brings pundits to question whether it really makes sense to replace a “serial biter” with a “bad boy”.
However, just like Andrea Pirlo who declared that “the time has come [for the media] to write only about what he [Balotelli] does on the field,” Brendan Rodgers is certain that Anfield is the perfect platform for the 24-year-old Italian forward to write a new chapter in his career. The Liverpool coach stated:
“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.”
Rodgers added:
“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.”
Mario Balotelli is delighted to return to the English Premier League after enduring a troublesome spell at Manchester City between 2010 and 2013. He was quoted by the Merseyside Reds’ official website as saying:
“I'm very happy. We've been talking about coming here and I'm happy to be here. 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.
“I maybe have a little bit more experience than other players - if I can help them, I'm happy to help them.”
Concerning his shirt number, Balotelli explained:
“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.”
Coincidentally, his new team will face his former English team; Manchester City vs Liverpool promises to be full of thrills on Monday night but Supermario will not be on the pitch due to delays in completing his transfer from the San Siro to Anfield.
“I'm going to be watching the game. I would love to play but I can't, so I'll support them from the stand.”
