''I can categorically tell you that he will not be at Liverpool. I was asked the question about Balotelli and spoke about what a talent he is and excellent player he is. He is a wonderful player, but an AC Milan player. I just gave my opinion of him, but doesnt mean I will be signing him. - Brendan Rodgers, August 2014.
It was a transfer that seemed so preposterous and ludicrous to consider that even the Liverpool manager was baulking at the prospect just weeks before the Italian maverick was presented to the media inside the Melwood training ground. When the talismanic emblem of Anfield was ruthlessly ripped out by the vulturous Barcelona in the aftermath of the third biting scandal, Liverpool were in the market for a top striker. England striker Daniel Sturridge was in a rich vein of form, but couldnt be relied to do it all on his own up top, and the jury was always going to be out with regards to the class of Rickie Lambert. When the news broke that Liverpool had agreed a fee of £16 million with AC Milan for the services of former Manchester City trouble-maker, the media had a field-day. Their favourite bad boy was returning to England, bringing with him skills, flair and entertaining antics which so endeared him to the British public during his first spell.
''This transfer represents outstanding value for the club and I think we have done a really smart piece of business here. I am looking forward to working with him and helping him learn more, improve and progress as a player. Im sure the supporters will make him feel very welcome. - Mario Balotelli, August 2014.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
