Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Italy's fans to embrace AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Ronaldo is a big fan of the former Manchester City firebrand.

"I don't know Mario personally but what he does outside of the pitch I don't really care about," he told the Sky Italia.

"For me, he's always seemed like a good player. He's managed to make his mark at Milan and with the Italian national team.

"I'd say, judge him on what he does on the pitch - what happens in private is not really anyone's business.

"My favourite player in Serie A? To be honest, I don't really follow the Italian League."