Manchester City striker’s switch to the San Siro is confirmed.
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Mario Balotelli has completed his £17million transfer from Manchester City to AC Milan after his exit from the Etihad Stadium was confirmed.
Italian international striker Balotelli’s two-and-a-half year turbulent spell in the Premier League is officially over with the 22-year-old having signed his contract at AC Milan on Thursday. He was expected to leave the Etihad Stadium this month after a training ground bust-up with City manager Roberto Mancini.
Balotelli, who won the Premier League title last season, returns to the San Siro, where he first made his name for Inter Milan, with the initial fee rising significantly with four more instalments due to be paid.
“I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will always thank him for having trust and faith in me,” Balotelli told Manchester’s City’s official website. “Being at City was an important part of my life and career. I needed to grow up like a player and as a person and it has been a very good experience for me.
“I will remember, too, the song that City fans had for me. It was special for me and I always liked to hear it. I hope they can still sing it sometimes. I will always be interested in Manchester City and their fortunes. I really hope that City can win the league again this year and beat United. I think there are great players at the club and a great manager too.”
Mancini added: “We are very sorry for him because he leaves the club but we hope Mario can continue to improve and continues to work hard because he is a top, top player.”
Balotelli’s transfer became a saga throughout the transfer window with City initially wanting £31million, a figure they will now only receive depending on appearances.