Pablo Zabaleta: 'Mario Balotelli exit inevitable'

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has claimed that Mario Balotelli's departure from the club was "inevitable".

The 22-year-old striker joined AC Milan in January following an incident-packed three years with the Premier League champions.

"I think Balotelli's departure was inevitable," Zabaleta told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "It had become a difficult situation.

"Mario is a great player, who must learn to better manage his life off the field. He should be more disciplined and quiet. Returning to Italy and staying near to his family is helping him."

Balotelli has scored seven goals in six games for Milan since his January move.