The Italy striker had fallen out of favour at Manchester City and said that joining the Rossoneri is something that has long been a dream and expressed his delight at making the move a reality.

"I'd wanted to play for Milan for such a long time, but I played for other teams as the opportunity to play for them had not yet arisen," he told the club's official TV channel.

"Whenever there was a chance, I ran. The beginning to the season for me was negative (with Manchester City). With this shirt I will do better.

"I come here with the hope of doing well again. The fans just want me to do well and I hope that I can return the favour. I did not start the season very well with City.

"I already knew this was the place I wanted to go. I hope my choice makes Milan great again."

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani revealed that the signing of Balotelli is a 'dream' capture for the side and a transfer that everyone connected with the club wanted to see come to fruition.

"Balotelli in Rossoneri is a dream that has been realised. It is a transfer that everyone wanted: club, president and fans," he said.

It is understood a fee of 23.4 million euros has been agreed by both Milan and City.