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Liverpool are usually shrewd operators in the transfer market but in the past, they have got some deals very wrong.
The Reds have not always been the powerhouse that they are today and despite always being one of the most historic teams in the world, they did not often show it.
The early to mid 2010s was a tricky period for Liverpool but it is one where they almost won the league, although it proved to be a one off as they slumped back to mediocrity towards the end of Brendan Rodgers’ reign.
Jurgen Klopp then took over and, despite a slow start, the rest is history, although both managers had to deal with one troublemaker in particular.
Despite costing just £16m, he is also considered one of the worst transfers at Liverpool for a very long time, with the player himself once admitting that he completely regretted joining.
Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Sometimes in football you can get some rather interesting characters and Italian striker Mario Balotelli was certainly one of those.
During his time at Manchester City, everyone could see the talent he possessed, he just did not often show it due to simply not caring enough.
His ego was one of the main things that stood out above anything else, so when he signed for the Reds, it was a rather strange move as it just did not feel very ‘Liverpool’.
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As many could have expected, his attitude remained the same and he left after just two seasons and one goal to his name, with the striker himself once admitting that moving to Anfield was the worst decision he has ever made.
“It was the worst mistake of my life,” Balotelli as per Sky Sports back in 2016 after joining French side Nice.
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“Apart from the fans, who were fantastic with me, I must be honest, and the players, who I had a good rapport with, I didn’t like the club.
I didn’t get along with them.”
Despite leaving nine years ago at the age of 26, Balotelli is not yet retired and still aims to be playing football at a high standard.
He has been at seven different clubs on a permanent transfer since departing Liverpool, with the now-35-year-old most recently playing for Genoa in Serie A as of last season.
The Italian is now a free agent and looking for a new club, but whether someone takes one last punt on him is yet to be seen.
Knowing him, his attitude will still be the same despite being almost a decade older, but at the end of the day, he has had a much more successful career than many others.
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