Andriy Shevchenko: 'Mario Balotelli can help Liverpool win Champions League'

Former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has claimed that Mario Balotelli can fire Liverpool to Champions League glory this season.

The Merseyside club signed the Italy international from Milan for £16m last week.

Shevchenko believes that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has got a great deal.

"If he was not happy and Milan weren't either, it was right to separate," Shevchenko told talkSPORT.

"But I saw Mario at the European Championships two years ago in Ukraine and Poland - he was a fantastic player and I refuse to believe that this has been lost along the way.

"Balotelli deserves another chance and Liverpool will give it to him. They are a great team, he can aspire to also win the Champions League, it's up to him to overcome the difficulties and take back control of his destiny."

Balotelli made his Liverpool debut in the 3-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.