Blackburn Rovers skipper Christopher Samba is an unlikely confidante to controversial Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
Samba has urged the £24million striker be less flashy off the pitch if he wants to fulfil his potential on it.
Samba explained: "We use the same driving and chauffeuring people and have become friends. We go for meals together and things like that. I try to talk to him and tell him what to do and what not to do because he is a good player and it would be a waste if he didn't get the best out of himself.
"What you read in the papers and what people say about him is a bit exaggerated. Sometimes they give the wrong interpretation. He's not a bad guy, just flashy. He doesn't need to change a lot. Everybody has to be their own person. It would be boring if we were the same - and at least he gives the papers something to talk about.
"But I have told him not to be too loud. Sometimes he likes to be seen, but I tell him it's nice to be discreet and just behave in a classy way.
"It's just little things. He's a good person, but he has difficulty moulding with the surroundings."
