The striker completed his move to Liverpool on Monday and the Italian giants have thanked the player for his efforts during his 18-month spell at San Siro

AC Milan have thanked Mario Balotelli for his “memorable moments” in a Rossoneri shirt after the striker completed his move to Liverpool.

Balotelli sealed a transfer to the Reds in a deal believed to be worth €20 million on Monday, just 18 months after leaving England for the San Siro.

Despite the 24-year-old’s often inconsistent displays and controversial off-the-field behaviour, Milan have thanked the striker for his efforts during his brief return spell in Italy and wished him well for the future.

“We worked well together, Mario. We’ve been happy to have had you here and for this we say goodbye and thank you,” a statement released on Milan’s official website read.

“In one year and a half you’ve achieved a lot. You were decisive in our qualification for the Champions League in 2013 and were our top-scorer last season. This is what your Milan thinks of you and this is our chance to confirm it publicly.

“There have been lots of memorable moments: the goal-scoring debut versus Udinese, that late winner versus Torino at the San Siro in May last year, the decisive goal against Siena and the screamer against Bologna on Valentine’s Day at the San Siro.

“Thank-you for everything and for what you have done at the club. We wish you the very best of luck for your next sporting and professional adventure.”

The Anfield boss believes that his club will be able to provide the necessary platform for the Italian striker to finally fulfill his potential and focus on his game

Brendan Rodgers has vowed to get the best out of Mario Balotelli following the strikers £16 million move to Liverpool.

The Italy international has had promising spells at major European clubs blighted by behavioural problems both on and off the field.

But Rodgers is sure that there is the right set up in place on Merseyside to allow Balotelli to reach his full potential.

“I believe we have the infrastructure, culture and environment to get the best out of him and help him achieve his true potential. We are a strong group here, committed to hard work and he will benefit from being around it,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s official website.

“I am looking forward to working with him and helping him learn more, improve and progress as a player. I’m sure the supporters will make him feel very welcome.”

Liverpool have been trying to replace Luis Suarez this summer, after the Uruguayan left for Barcelona following his best ever season at the club.

But Rodgers is confident that in Balotelli, the club now have a player capable of producing yet more world-class displays.

“This transfer represents outstanding value for the club and I think we have done a really smart piece of business here,” he said.

“There is no doubting Mario’s ability; he is a world-class talent and someone who, for such a young age, has vast experience of playing at the very highest level.

“He has scored goals in the Barclays Premier League, in Italy, in the Champions League and for his country at international level.

The former fans’ favourite at Anfield has warned that the Italian could prove a disruptive influence on Merseyside and fears for the harmony of Brendan Rodgers’ dressing room

Mario Balotelli’s expected arrival at Liverpool could cause a significant divide at the club, according to Anfield hero Gary McAllister.

Balotelli is on the verge of joining the English giants from AC Milan for a reported fee of €20 million.

And while McAllister, who won five trophies at Liverpool towards the end of his glittering career, acknowledges the fee is not high for a player of Balotelli’s calibre, but is worried about the potential for a dressing room split.

Balotelli courted regular controversy during an incident-packed spell at Manchester City prior to his return to Italy, and McAllister is not convinced the move is a good one for his former side.

“It will split everyone,” McAllister told TalkSPORT.

“He’s got great ability, but Liverpool are very much together under Brendan Rodgers and it doesn’t take a lot to split a dressing room.

“That’s my only fear. I’m not so sure [about the move].

“Look at his moves – he’s had great opportunities at big clubs and that fee keeps dropping and dropping.

“It’s not a great deal of money in today’s game, but it will split a lot of people.”

McAllister also thinks Balotelli’s arrival could cause a selection headache for Rodgers and potentially disrupt star striker Daniel Sturridge.

“I don’t know where Balotelli plays [at Liverpool],” he added.

“If he plays up top, does Sturridge move to the side? I don’t think he likes it out there.

“He [Balotelli] is not going to be second fiddle – that’s not his thing.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they line up with the three or four really attacking players they’ve got.”