Mario Balotelli to Liverpool CONFIRMED: AC Milan striker completes £16m switch and signs 'long-term' deal

Italy international returns to the Premier League from AC Milan

Mario Balotelli is now a Liverpool player, the club have confirmed.

The striker has been in Liverpool since Friday to hold talks over his £16m switch from AC Milan. He arrived at Liverpool's Melwood training ground earlier today to finalise the switch, with his medical being passed last week.

Liverpool have now tweeted that the transfer has gone through.

"Confirmed: #LFC have today completed the signing of Italy international Mario Balotelli from AC Milan #MarioLFC. The 24-year-old has penned a long-term deal with #LFC and becomes the club's ninth recruit of the summer," read the statement on Twitter.

Balotelli himself also tweeted.

He also told the club's official website: "I'm very happy. We've been talking about coming here and now I'm happy to be here.

"Liverpool are one of the best teams here in England and the football is very good here.

"It's a great team with young players, and that's why I came here."

Reports suggest Balotelli will earn £90,000-a-week at Anfield, with the contract heavily incentivised.

Liverpool have also confirmed he will wear the number 45 shirt.

Liverpool are in action against Manchester City tonight, however he will not be eligible to play against his former side.

The 24-year-old needed to have signed by noon on Friday to have been able to play in tonight's match.

Despite not being able to play, Balotelli will take his place in the stands to watch over his former and future sides.

The first match Balotelli will be available for is Sunday's game against Tottenham.