AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has jumped to the defence of Inter rival Mario Balotelli.

Pato stood by Inter striker Balotelli who drew criticism for going to watch Milan play Manchester United last week.

"Mario is an exceptional lad. If I had been free, I would have also gone to watch Inter play Chelsea, a great sporting event deserves support, without these dramatisations.

"At least, this is the South American mentality," he said.