Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini has jumped to the defence of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

Mancini feels Milan need to show patience with the firebrand.

"I haven't spoken to Balotelli since our time together at Manchester City," Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"When I stop working with a player, I usually don't keep regular contact with him.

"I feel Balotelli still needs time for his talent to truly explode."

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