Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has warned Mario Balotelli not to go the same way as his former Inter Milan teammate Adriano.

Mancini has revealed what he told Balotelli at the start of the season which has sparked his wonderful form.

"I told him that playtime was over and that in football you get older in a minute so it is time to explode and be confirmed," said Mancini.

"Look at Adriano: at 21 years he was said to be the strongest in the world and now is gone. Mario should not waste his enormous talent. He should do it for himself, not for me or (Cesare) Prandelli."