Usain Bolt: 'I told Mario Balotelli to sign for Liverpool'

Double Olympic champion Usain Bolt has said that he urged Mario Balotelli to sign for Liverpool, but also joked that he should "make a few mistakes" when he comes up against Manchester United.

Despite being a Red Devils fan, Bolt has said that he advised Balotelli to complete a £16m switch from AC Milan to Anfield as "England is the best place to be".

"We're talking, and I tell him England is the best place to be," told ESPNFC.com.

"I talk to him and I said listen, when you play against Man United, just make a few mistakes. We'll be alright."

Balotelli made his Liverpool debut in their 3-0 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, and the Italian striker is expected to lead the line for his new side in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, who picked up a hamstring injury on international duty.