Mario Balotelli explains his squad number choice

New Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has revealed why he has chosen 45 as his squad number throughout his career.

The Italy international's £16m move to Anfield was confirmed on Monday afternoon, and he explained his reasoning behind the choice.

The Mirror quotes him as saying: "When I first played three or four games with Inter Milan, when I was young, I had number 45 because the numbers for young players were from 36-50.

"I took number 45 because I was joking that four plus five is nine - and I scored in all four games. It brings me luck and that's why I've always kept number 45."

Balotelli watched from the stands as the Reds lost 2-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad on Monday evening.