Last Updated: Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:35
Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has warned Mario Balotelli to cut out the "crazy stunts" to make the most of his talent.
De Jong knows that trouble has a habit of finding the volatile striker although he is only too aware that his team-mate is equally capable of pulling off moments of brilliance that can single-handedly win games.
Both sides of Balotelli were on display in City's 3-3 draw against Sunderland at the weekend as manager Roberto Mancini went from wanting to substitute him after only five minutes to witnessing him score a brace as the title chasing side fought back from a losing position.
He continues however to make headlines away from the pitch with the latest claims suggesting he sprayed two girls with a fire extinguisher after a gig, leaving them soaking wet after the teenagers asked for a photograph at a concert by rap star Drake on Sunday at the Manchester Arena.
Mancini's patience may be wearing thin with the Italian international but then he is reminded by his quality which has seen him score 13 goals in 13 Premier League starts.
"Sometimes Mario is a fool and at other times he is a genius - there are two sides to him," De Jong told the Sun. "Lots of people expect him to pull off crazy stunts and as a result he feels he must do something. People like that need to have upheaval in their lives in order to perform.
"He is happy in his personal relationship. That is important and it makes him more focused. But he knows that he has to become more serious-minded."
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