Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli has officially completed his return to AC Milan, having only departed the Rossoneri twelve months ago. The Italian struggled to adapt to life in England, netting just once during his year-long stint in Merseyside.

Balotelli notched up 26 goals in 43 appearances during his previous tenure in Milan and will join Sinisa Mihajlovic's side on a one-year loan deal.

Sky Italia report that the contract contains no obligation to purchase after a campaign, though it has been rumoured that the Reds retain no interest in keeping hold of the troublesome striker.

A turbulent spell in Liverpool

Having been coaxed by the Reds during the final days of the transfer window last summer, expectations were high on Merseyside. He impressed during his full debut against Tottenham Hotspur but struggled thereafter, featuring from the off on only ten separate occasions last term.

Balotelli, as many had highlighted prior to his arrival, was un-manageable and represented the antithesis of what Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers demands of his forwards. 

The capture of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, alongside Danny Ings on a Bosman transfer from Burnley, finally rendered the Italian surplus to requirements in England.

AC Milan aiming to bolster the frontline 

Having already welcome both Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano to the club this summer, Balotelli will become the third attacking addition of the Mihajlovic era in Milan.

The volatile forward harbours ambitions of a call-up to Antonio Conte's Euro 2016 squad next summer and views Milan as an opportunity to work himself back into the national team fray. He netted some memorable goals during his initial spell in red and black and, though he divides opinion among the Milan fraternity due to his Inter roots, will be looking to hit the ground running as Milan aim for a return to Europe. 

Silvio Berlusconi has already lavished €85million on new recruits this summer, as they hope to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with once more. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com