So long the scourge of English defences while playing for Manchester City, Italian mystery man Mario Balotelli could be about to torment his former club as early as Monday if his move to Liverpool comes off.
The 24-year-old striker said goodbye to AC Milan on Thursday according to Sky Italia, adding he was bound for the Anfield club as Brendan Rodgers’ side seek to replace Luis Suarez, the disgraced forward who was banned for biting at the World Cup and then left for Barcelona having finished Premier League top scorer last season.
Rodgers said he was a fan of Balotelli three weeks ago while on tour in the USA, where Liverpool met Milan in a friendly, though he made it clear the Italian was not in the club’s plans for a Suarez successor.
British media reports on Friday say Liverpool will pay £16million for Balotelli although there are contrasting views on whether he will be signed, having passed a medical, in time for their clash with City in Manchester on Monday evening.
A medical aside, it is believed Liverpool are also asking Balotelli to agree to several clauses in his contract stating that unprofessional behaviour, the likes of which he became notorious for while at City, will result in disciplinary measures.
Balotelli last faced old club City in July, when he paused mid-game for a selfie with two pitch invaders.
Balotelli scored the winner in the World Cup match against England in June and was at his imperious best on the international stage in the Euro 2012 semi-final against the heavily-fancied Germans, scoring twice to knock them out and put Italy into the final against tournament favourites Spain.
Main image courtesy of Time via YouTube, with thanks.
