Ahead of Steven Gerrard’s final game in front of the Anfield faithful, Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has sent our captain an open letter, paying tribute to the 34-year-old, and wishing him luck for the future.
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Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace will be an emotional one, as, while our final two remaining matches have little importance in terms of league position, it will be the last time that the former England skipper leads the side out on Merseyside, before his summer move to MLS.
It may not just be the midfielder that is set to leave the club after the final two games of the Premier League season. The Italian has had a difficult first year at the club, scoring just once in the top flight.
Despite being fit for our last game against Chelsea, the former Manchester City man was left out of the squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Instead, and in apparent vote of little confidence in Balotelli, Brendan Rodgers chose Rickie Lambert to start up front, and elected to give Jerome Sinclair his chance, by including the youngster on the bench.
Despite speculation surrounding his own future, Balotelli penned the letter, and revealed that while their time as teammates has been short, it has been an ‘unforgettable’ experience, according to the Daily Mail.
Here is the letter in full:
“Stevie…
I had the honour to play with you, not for long but still an amazing and unforgettable experience for me.
You are a great man and a cool captain!
It is a pleasure to leave free-kicks and penalties to you :-)
I wish you all the best for your next venture and your family. You deserve the best.
Good luck my friend,
Mario Balotelli”