Andrea Pirlo has warned Mario Balotelli that the next club he plays for could decide the rest of his career.

The 24-year-old striker is likely to leave Liverpool this summer following a failed spell at Anfield and there has been much written and spoken about where he could end up.

Chinese clubs were showing considerable interest in Balotelli before their transfer window closed while Italian sides Sampdoria and Crotone continue to be linked.

Former Italian national team colleague Pirlo, now in MLS with New York City FC, is of the belief that former Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan forward Balotelli still has the ability to play for one of Europe's top clubs provided he can rediscover his best form with the club he next joins.

"He needs to pick his next club carefully," 37-year-old Pirlo told the Daily Mirror.

"I have read things about him and China. With all respect to their league, Mario should not be going there yet.

"If he has two or three good seasons at his next club, he will still only be 28 and could join one of the top clubs in Europe.

"I don't have any advice for him anymore, he knows the qualities that he has. From this point, it's up to Mario."