Mario Balotelli signed for Liverpool from AC Milan in 2014, but his time on Merseyside was rather uneventful – with the Italian striker only representing the Reds 28 times, and given he only managed four goals during his stay, it’s safe to say he won’t be remembered as an Anfield great.
Balotelli had previously won the Premier League title with Manchester City, as well as a Champions League and three Serie A titles with Inter. However, when Anfield Edition shared a video of his late winner versus Tottenham back in 2015, the responses tell a story regarding how his brief stint with the club will be remembered.
Was Balotelli a flop at Liverpool?
Yes
No
Nightmare Period
— Rama Komang (@k_rama8official) February 10, 2020
He couldn’t miss this one….even if he tried!
— Batir Wardam (@batirw) February 10, 2020
The worst Liverpool player ever!
— Lucas Bryant (@lucas_asf) February 10, 2020
One of our worst buys ever his attitude sucks he only cares about himself. Yes he’s a good footballer but far from consistent glad klopp said bye bye.
— Damon Mildy (@waylon1889) February 10, 2020
I still have nightmares with this season
— Will (@will_roddersLFC) February 10, 2020
He played for Liverpool ? ???
— Gucci (@blac_childd) February 10, 2020
However, there are others whose memories of the Italian aren’t quite as damning and remember the goal fondly.
Like it was yesterday
— John Mwakalinga (@johnmwakalinga) February 10, 2020
I still remember him getting subbed on and thinking for some reason there’s no way he’s not scoring this game
— Boom? (@JKloppEra) February 10, 2020
Was standing on the Kop!
”MARIO FANTASTICOOO…”— JR (@Slottsbron) February 10, 2020
What do we think?
Balotelli was eventually loaned back to AC Milan and he went on to become something of a journeyman, having spent some time in France with Nice and Marseille before returning to Italy with Brescia. This season, the 29-year-old has made 16 appearances in Serie A, scoring five goals so far, but after reaching incredible heights with some of Europe’s elite clubs, it appears as though he’ll have to settle for more modest settings in the north of the Italian peninsula.