Balotelli tells Reds fans to support Sterling

Cape Town - Following one of the most acrimonious transfers in recent seasons, Raheem Sterling's £49 million move to Manchester City has been backed by former Liverpool teammate Mario Balotelli.

Sterling made his debut in City's penalty shootout win over Roma. The England international found the net just three minutes into his debut to make a scoring start to life in the light blue of Manchester City.

The 20-year-old star forced through a transfer to Liverpool's Premier League rivals after reportedly refusing to travel with the Liverpool squad but Liverpool fans should "support him like you always did" says the club's striker Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli, who himself is at a crossroads in his fledgling Liverpool career, took to Twitter to praise Sterling for his "answer" to the media storm over his recent conduct and to call upon the support from the Anfield faithful for his former colleague.

Well done @sterling31 ! Best answer ??. Keep it up.

— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) July 21, 2015

Liverpool fans are amazing but i hope@sterling31 will play at his best because he deserve it.He s a good guy young and talented.....

— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) July 21, 2015

....support him Like you always did .He gave everything to this club and respect it so im sad to see this.YNWA ,Liverpool is a family ALWAYS

— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) July 21, 2015