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Balotelli Sets to Join Liverpool for £16m

Mario Balotelli has confirmed he is leaving AC Milan, with his agent discussing terms with Liverpool over a £16m transfer. The deal could be completed as soon as Friday.

Balotelli confirmed to journalists in Italy on Thursday that he would be leaving the club he joined from Manchester City last year. “This is my last day in Milan, my last day at Milanello,” he said.

And Milan said on their website on Thursday afternoon that Balotelli had bid farewell to his team-mates before leaving training. “Mario Balotelli left Milanello’s sporting centre at 1.30pm (local time), after saying goodbye to his team-mates,” the club statement read.

“Before leaving the premises, the striker has said goodbye to members of Milan’s press office.”

Liverpool have become increasingly desperate to sign a proven international striker following the sale of Luis Suarez earlier this summer, prompting manager Brendan Rodgers to turn to a player he said he would not sign earlier this month.

Balotelli enjoyed a controversial first spell in the Premier League with City, his time there blighted by many notorious incidents.

However, he did win the league title and FA, to go with the three Serie A championships he had previously won with Internazionale.

He also scored the winning goal for Italy against England in both teams’ opening games at this year’s World Cup.

If the deal goes through in time Balotelli could potentially even make his debut for Liverpool at Manchester City on Monday.