AC Milan attacking midfielder Kaka has insisted that Mario Balotelli is a key player in the Rossoneri squad.

The Italian has scored just once in Serie A this season, which has prompted talk of a return to the Premier League, but Kaka has urged Balotelli to remain patient.

"The only thing that I have told Mario Balotelli is that he is very important to the team," he told the club's official website.

"He should remain calm because he has a lot of responsibility and is very important."

The 1-1 draw with Lazio on Wednesday night left Milan 10th in the league.