Roberto Mancini: 'AC Milan have to accept Mario Balotelli'

By Kristian Johnson, Reporter | 14 September 2013

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says that Mario Balotelli "is who he is" and he may take a while to "mature", despite his good form since his arrival at AC Milan.

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said that AC Milan can help Mario Balotelli "mature", but has warned the Italian outfit that it is likely to take time.

Mancini worked with Balotelli in spells at both Inter Milan and Manchester City, where the 23-year-old's antics were often the subject of criticism from fellow professionals and the media alike.

Balotelli departed England to return to Milan in January, and the forward has enjoyed a good run of form at the San Siro, scoring 13 goals in just 14 starts for the Rossoneri.

However, Mancini believes that the enigmatic striker may still take a while to curb his antics.

"Has Balotelli changed? I do not know, but I do not think [Milan] could change him in six months, and nor could Mario impose change himself that quickly", Mancini is quoted as saying by TuttoMercato.

"Mario is who he is, so you have to accept him for better of for worse. For now, I don't believe that has changed, but that could happen any time.

"Milan, however, is a great club and they can definitely help Mario mature."

Balotelli moved to AC Milan in January for a fee of £19m after spending two-and-a-half years in Manchester.