Mario Balotelli adds fuel to fire with Raheem Sterling backing

Mario Balotelli risked the wrath of Liverpool fans by tweeting a supportive message to former team-mate Raheem Sterling after his debut goal for Manchester City.

Sterling, who left Anfield for City in a £49 million (€70m) deal last week after an acrimonious transfer saga, struck inside the first three minutes of a pre-season friendly against Roma in Australia.

Liverpool supporters were angered by some of Sterling’s conduct in the months preceding the move and Balotelli, a former City player, risked inflaming tensions with a congratulatory tweet.