Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has defended Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli. Suarez has backed Balotelli to come good for Liverpool - despite his poor first season at Anfield.

"I think Mario has played for big clubs, proving himself to be a formidable player," the 28-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.

"It is not easy to place himself at Manchester City and return to England. It has not been easy for him but he is still a great player."