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Liverpool’s summer transfer window of 2014 has to go down as one of the worst in the club’s history.
Coming off the back of a season in which they went so close to winning the Premier League title, it was always going to be tough for the Reds to replace Luis Suarez.
Suarez got his long-mooted move to Barcelona, leaving a gaping hole in the Liverpool attack.
With a bit of money to play with, the Reds carefully considered their options and – in fairness – were not shy in splashing some cash to improve the Liverpool squad.
Unfortunately, most of the funds were misspent, with Lazar Markovic in particular going down as a stunningly bad, expensive flop.
Big moves for Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren ultimately fared better, but did not immediately work out.
Up top, Brendan Rodgers brought in Liverpool fan Rickie Lambert, before a surprise deal was struck to sign Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.
As it turned out, the shock of the transfer was mutual once Mario arrived on Merseyside.
Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
It’s hard to believe, but Balotelli was still only 24-years-old when he joined Liverpool.
Looking back, there was reason to believe he could have been a bargain for around £16m.
However, as Manchester City supporters well knew already, Balotelli was not the easiest character to deal with.
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The potential within him was clear, but the Italian was also susceptible to some errant behaviour and had a knack for generating controversy.
And as the striker himself admitted during his first interview after signing, the positive reception had taken him aback.
READ MORE: Liverpool make first move to sign Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final defeat
“I didn’t expect it because I was always playing against Liverpool, never with Liverpool,” he said.
“When I used to play against Liverpool the fans were not very nice to me!
They were very happy and that makes me happy at the same time.”
As well as thanking the fans for the reception he had received, Balotelli outlined his reasons behind signing for Liverpool.
“I think Liverpool is one of the best teams here in England and especially the football is very good over here,” said the Italy international.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsPremier League1610Champions League310Europa League210FA Cup400League Cup310Mario Balotelli at Liverpool
“We were talking with Liverpool and you know the stories and everything and the team especially now, it’s a great team, young players and that’s why I came here.”
Unfortunately, amidst a difficult season, Liverpool simply could not get Balotelli going.
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