Mario Balotelli had admitted that he needs to perform on the pitch and keep quiet off it as he returns to AC Milan on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

Just a year after he made his Premier League return with the Reds in a £16m switch from the Rossoneri; Balotelli finds himself going in the other direction after Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers cut him adrift.

Balotelli scored only one Premier League goal for Liverpool last season and it became clear Rodgers had little faith in the 25-year-old.

Having completed his medical at Milan, Balotelli says he is delighted to be returning to the club and insists he is highly motivated to make the move a success.

“I always had Milan in my heart and always had hope that I would return one day,” Balotelli said.

“Will I end my career here? I just have to start to work and have a good year. I’m looking forward to training and proving my worth. I have a lot of motivation but I just have to work and not speak.”

Balotelli’s time at Anfield looked to be up when he was left out of the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia and he has been training away from the first team since they returned.

Rodgers has strengthened his hand meanwhile by signing Christian Benteke from Aston Villa and Danny Ings from Burnley.

Divock Origi has also arrived at Anfield after a year on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

Balotelli could make his second AC Milan debut in Saturday’s game against Empoli, which Milan are priced at 1.44 to win.

The Rossoneri are available at 17.00 to win Serie A this season, with champions Juventus the strong 1.67 favourites.