De Jong would love Balotelli at Milan

Nigel de Jong has hailed Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, with recent reports linking the striker with a move to AC Milan.

The Italy international has struggled to hold down a place in Roberto Mancini’s side this season, and is also interesting Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite a disappointing campaign so far, one bright spot for the Rossoneri has been Stephan El Shaarawy, with the 20-year-old leading the Serie A scoring charts.

But De Jong believes the two Italian strikers are not comparable.

“I have read about Mario coming to Milan in the papers,” De Jong told Tuttosport.

“Let’s see what happens. It is always nice to have great players in the team.

“It is difficult to make comparisons, everyone has his own talent and his features. Stephan is currently one of the biggest talents in the world, he is playing at the highest level and he is just 20.

“You don’t have to be crazy – and he isn’t – to be a great player. Balotelli is great but he must feel good to do his best.”

The Netherlands international admitted that he initially found it hard to adapt to life in Italy, but maintains he is happy to stay, although he took a swipe at Serie A supporters after playing in stadiums with few fans in attendance.

“It took me longer than I expected to settle here but I’ve only been here for two months,” De Jong said.

“Every game I try to do better. Everything is new for me here, the coach is looking for the best game plan and I have to adapt. Recent results show that we are on the right track with the 4-3-3.

“I like Italian football even if the stadiums are empty.”