Manchester City have continued their recruitment drive by signing young Italian striker Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan on a five-year contract.
Mancini expects big things from young Italian
Manchester City have completed the signing of Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan on a five-year contract.
Roberto Mancini has been an admirer of the young Italian striker since working with him at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
He identified Balotelli as a transfer target earlier this summer and negotiations between the two clubs have been ongoing for several weeks.
Mancini finally announced on Friday that a deal was imminent, with Balotelli jetting in to undergo a medical and discuss terms.
The move has now been finalised, with the 20-year-old arriving for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £24million.
The signing of Balotelli further increases competition for places in attack, although Mancini is convinced he has the talent to succeed in the Premier League.
Best players
"I think that Mario is one of the best players of his age in Europe, and I very happy to be working with him again," the manager told City's
official website.
"His style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so young there is a big chance for him to improve.
"He is a strong and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him."
Having also brought in the likes of David Silva, Yaya Toure, Aleksandar Kolarov and Jerome Boateng, City will hope to challenge for the title this term.
Mancini's men begin their campaign against Tottenham on Saturday in the opening game of the new season, although Balotelli is not set to feature.
