Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Italy striker Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.

The 24-year-old has joined the Reds for a fee believed to be £16 million.

He becomes Liverpool's ninth summer signing, although tonight's match against his former club Manchester City has come too soon for him. 

"It's a great team with young players, and that's why I came here," Balotelli told Liverpool's official website.

While many see the move as a risk for Liverpool, due to his past behaviour which have included bust-ups with managers, former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson described the signing as "worth the risk". 

Mario Balotelli will wear the No.45 at #LFC #MarioLFC pic.twitter.com/G3N65K5ZdZ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2014