Mario Balotelli has the skills to dominate, but he seems to be focused on shocking the world away from the pitch.
That's basically what Andrea Pirlo revealed in a recent interview, where he asked his former team-mate with the Italian National Team to stop goofing around and choose a club that can make him return to the spotlight.
The New York City FC midfielder thinks his compatriot can become one of the best in the world, but time is running out and the world could be deprived of his potential if he doesn't focus.
"We shouldn’t forget what a special player he is. I have played with some of the best strikers, and I can tell you Mario has all the attributes to be one of the best strikers in the world. By now I thought that is where he would be, that is where he should be. He has no more time to waste," Pirlo told the Mirror.
Having spent quite some time with the controversial striker, Pirlo admitted he is sometimes baffled for his carelessness, urging him to step up and do what he needs to in order to earn a spot among football's finest.
"He frustrates me, but I do have so much affection for Mario. He is infectious to be around. When I used to see him walk into training for Italy, he would have this big smile on his face - and I would just burst out laughing - and start wondering what is he thinking, what is he up to?" Pirlo added.
Both players were left out of the Italian squad that played the UEFA Euro 2016.
The former Juventus ace had one more suggestion for Balotelli, asking him not to be seduced by the big bucks paid in lower-tier leagues such as the Chinese Super League.
"I have read things about him and China. With all respect to their league, Mario should not be going there yet. If he has two or three good seasons at his next club, he will still only be 28 and could join one of the top clubs in Europe. I don't have any advice for him anymore. From this point, it's up to Mario," Pirlo concluded.
