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
Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Mario Balotelli surprised by Liverpool fans support
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.
None of this seemed to matter to the Anfield faithful, though. They welcomed Balotelli as their own. And as the striker himself admitted during his first interview after signing, the positive reception had taken him aback.
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“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! But it’s normal, that’s football. Now that I play in Liverpool I see an expectation in people. They were very happy and that makes me happy at the same time.”
What else did Balotelli say?
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.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 16 1 0
Champions League 3 1 0
Europa League 2 1 0
FA Cup 4 0 0
League Cup 3 1 0
Mario 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. In the end he played just 28 times, scoring only four goals.
Unsurprisingly, Balotelli was then on his way back to Italy, where he initially re-joined Milan on-loan. And after Rodgers was replaced by Jurgen Klopp, the former City man completed a free transfer to Nice.
Liverpool fans were right to be excited by Balotelli’s signing, they so badly wanted it to work. But, inevitably, it was all downhill from the minute he put pen to paper.