James Milner: 'Mario Balotelli acted like a 12-year-old'

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 08 March 2013

Milner: 'Balotelli acted like a 12-year-old'

James Milner says that Mario Balotelli behaved like a child during his time in England, but the Manchester City midfielder admits that he misses his former teammate.

Manchester City midfielder James Milner has said that former teammate Mario Balotelli behaved like a child during his time in England.

However, Milner admits that he was sad to see Balotelli leave the Premier League champions to join AC Milan in January.

"I do miss him, actually," Milner told The Mirror. "He was crazy, he liked to be the centre of attention and it was like having a 12-year-old in the dressing-room at times.

"But he was a good guy, he was harmless and I hope he does well in Milan. He's got ability and hopefully he can prove it over in Italy.

"You'd get those days where you'd think 'Mario. Not today. Leave it out', but it was very hard to hate him, despite the crazy things he did.

"At times Mario would step out of line and one of the lads would tell him. If he ever did that, it would go off, but half-an-hour later he would come in and apologise."

Balotelli has scored four goals in four Serie A appearances since returning to Italy.