Mario Balotelli completes £16m transfer to Liverpool

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.

"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."