Controversial Manchester City hitman Mario Balotelli left for AC Milan in a £19million deal during the January transfer window, ending a turbulent two-and-a-half-year stint in Manchester. Pablo Zabaleta witnessed all of the highs and lows of Balotelli's City career and believes it was the right decision for him to return home.

The Argentine full-back told La Gazzetta dello Sport:: "I think Balotelli's departure was inevitable. 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."