AC Milan right-back Ignazio Abate has said that it is time for Mario Balotelli to "grow up" and realise his potential to become one of the world's best players.

The Italian striker has earned a reputation for eccentric behaivour during his time with Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan, but his teammate warns that
Balotelli must now learn to curb his headline-making antics.

Abate feels that the 23-year-old is one of the top five players on the planet who can unlock his potential if he changes his attitude.

"[Balotelli] must understand that he is no longer a kid and that certain behaviours are not going to go over well. He needs to grow up as quickly as possible," Abate told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The fact is that he has incredible potential, of which even he realises. To me, after Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he's next.

"We are fortunate enough to work for a club like Milan and in a place like (Milan's training ground) Milanello."

Milan are currently eighth in Serie A.