The best players to have returned to the Premier League after time away…
SEE MORE: FIFA 2015 Player Ratings Revealed.
Mario Balotelli is on the verge of sealing a sensational move to Liverpool – according to reports from BBC Sport.
The former Manchester City man moved to AC Milan in January 2013, and now looks set to return to the Premier League after just over a year and a half away. But, if the transfer does go through, where will the controversial Italian rank in a list of the ten best Premier League returns?
Click through the pages below and find out:
10) Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough)
The injury-prone former England international earned his dream move to Real Madrid in 2004, but made just nine La Liga appearances in three years after joining from Newcastle United. He returned to Middlesbrough on loan in 2006, before spells with Tottenham and Stoke City.
9) Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal)
The holding midfielder moved from Arsenal to AC Milan in 2008. Five years later, he was back in London as he was resigned by Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman has yet to rediscover the from of his first spell at the club, but is still a useful back-up player.
8) Nicolas Anelka (Free Agent)
The French striker actually left and returned to the Premier League on multiple occasions. He left PSG for Arsenal in 1997, only to join Real Madrid two years later. Spells at Liverpool and Manchester City followed before he moved to Turkey. A year later he was back with Bolton, and then Chelsea. He moved to China, before one final spell in England with West Brom.
7) Steve McManaman (Retired)
The iconic Liverpool midfielder moved to Real Madrid in 1999, where he again enjoyed a strong spell of success. But the former England international finished his career back in the Premier League, where he spent two years with Manchester City.
6) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
The Serbian international was originally with Chelsea between 2009 and 2011, making just two Premier League appearances before moving to Benfica. After three impressive years in Portugal, Jose Mourinho brought the player back to the club – with the Stamford Bridge faithful receiving a vastly improved player back at the club.
5) Michael Owen (Retired)
The Liverpool and England sensation moved to Real Madrid in 2004, but by then injuries had already began to take their toll on his career, and spells at Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City followed as his career slowly petered out.
4) Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
One of the most popular players in Chelsea’s modern history, the giant Ivorian striker returned to Stamford Bridge this summer, two years after leaving the club for spells in China and Turkey. He may be 36 now, but he will still provide useful back-up to Jose Mourinho’s side.
3) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool?)
A year and a half after leaving Manchester City to join AC Milan, the Italian striker is seemingly on the verge of completing his move to Liverpool. The controversial forward was a big hit during his first spell in England, and if Brendan Rodgers can control the player’s wild side he could prove an excellent signing.
2) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
The former Arsenal skipper joined Barcelona in 2011, and endured a difficult spell with Catalans giants as, despite some success, he struggled to replicate his best form. A move to Chelsea followed this summer, and the Spaniard has already shown that he could be one of the signings of the season.
1) Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Five years after leaving Arsenal, the legendary French striker returned for a short loan spell from New York Red Bulls. After a three year spell with Barcelona, Henry joined the MLS side in 2010, but his return proved massively popular at the Emirates Stadium.
SEE MORE:
Most expensive players of all time
Worst Football Shirts Ever, Including Arsenal, Liverpool And Chelsea Abominations.
Best young football players in the world!