AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has compared Mario Balotelli to Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Milan signed the striker from Manchester City last week and he marked his debut with a brace against Udinese on Sunday.

"We knew that we had signed an immense player," Galliani told Milan Channel. "Everyone knows that. Balotelli is a great.

"Our first choice attacking trident has a combined age of 60. There will be little to do for us in attack in the future.

"A few days ago a director from a top European club phoned me and said he was happy to see this Milan again. The arrival of Balotelli has given the perception that the real Milan has returned.

"We don't have Lionel Messi, but we have Balotelli. This attack reminds me of Barcelona and we will see the benefit in terms of sponsors because he is only 22 and he has great potential."