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Mario Balotelli explains his squad number choice

New Liverpool star Mario Balotelli explains his reasoning behind his decision to wear number 45 on the back of his shirt.

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.

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Milan striker Mario Balotelli in action against Inter on February 24, 2013
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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