Mario Balotelli has endured a tough Premier League comeback, but AFC Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa believes that he will be a “success” at Liverpool.

The Italian joined the Reds from AC Milan last summer in a £16m deal, with replacing sold star striker Luis Suarez his major aim.

However, ‘Balo’ has appeared out of his depth back in England – he had played for Manchester City before – and has been linked with a move away from the club this summer amid suggestions manager Brendan Rodgers has lost faith in him.

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But Akinfenwa – a cult hero of the modern game thanks to his physical stature – believes that Balotelli will come good for Liverpool, the team he supports, if given time:

“I think it has been tough for Balotelli to come to Liverpool. I think that Balotelli has got a style of play and I think Liverpool has a different style of play.” He is quoted by the London Evening Standard.

“Brendan Rodgers knew how Balotelli plays and you are asking him to play a different way, and as a footballer a manager should do their research to play with somebody strength, don’t try to focus his weaknesses. I think it is the reason why it has been difficult but it takes time.

“I hope he stays, I want him to stay because I think he is a good person, football needs characters like him so I hope he becomes a success and I am glad he scored recently to get off the mark. I just think it’s been tough and he didn’t realise how tough it would be.

“But he is a professional, he’s been at all the top clubs in the world so he will get through it and I am sure it will be a success.”

Akinfenwa has played against Liverpool already this season, scoring a goal for League Two side AFC Wimbledon against the Premier League side.

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