Sneijder played alongside the Manchester City striker at Inter Milan last year and believes he has the talent to become a global superstar.
But the Dutchman, who was named one of the best players at last year’s World Cup in South Africa, has warned his former team-mate he will have to curb his wild side if he ever wants to be considered one of football’s greats.
“He has a personality,” said Sneijder. “Sometimes as a player he is amazing because he can do crazy things on the pitch.
“But outside of the pitch he can do crazy things, stupid things sometimes.
“He knows this because I talked many times with him last year.
“He is still young and sometimes he loses control.”
Balotelli, who hopes to be involved for City in tonight’s Europa League last-16 first-leg clash with Dynamo Kiev, has divided opinion since his £24m move to Eastlands last summer.
His 10 goals in only 17 appearances for the Blues back up Sneijder’s belief that he is among the deadliest finishers in Europe.
But tantrums with boss Roberto Mancini, and bust-ups with team-mates have marred his first season in the Premier League.
His time at Inter also courted controversy, with former coach Jose Mourinho publicly criticising a player considered by many in his homeland to be the most naturally talented Italian of all time.
Sneijder has watched from a distance – but remains convinced that the 20-year-old, who went to Italy to watch Inter’s Serie A match with Genoa on Sunday, is a class act.
“He’s like he was here before,” said Sneijder.
“He’s a player with a lot of qualities.
“He can be one of the best strikers in the world if he continues like this.
“If he starts thinking in the right way he can be one of the biggest strikers in the world.
“He’s still young, he needs some time, but he is doing very well.”
And Sneijder revealed Balotelli reminds him of a another Inter Milan hero.
“I think you can compare him a little bit with Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” said the World Cup finalist and Champions League winner.
“They have the same qualities and he even shoots in the same way.
“But he is 20 years old. He is still young and talented – but not at his top level yet.”
Sneijder, along with City, will be appearing at the Dublin Super Cup, a new annual pre-season tournament that will be hosted at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 30 and 31.
Tickets are now on sale at dublinsupercup.com or by ringing the Manchester City box office on 0870 0621894.
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"And Sneijder revealed Balotelli reminds him of a another Inter Milan hero.
“I think you can compare him a little bit with Zlatan Ibrahimovic"
Erm shouldn't that be AC Milan?
He could if he sorts his attitude out. But one thing i can say is he has been smiling the last couple of weeks.
He undoubtebly has the talent,and seems to find the game easy(too easy some would say) there seens to be more of a bond between him and the rest of the team the last few games that was lacking before,whether that is down to feeling happier at the club or he has adjusted to life in England now,but its good to have seen the odd smile starting to show,and his maturity in stepping in between Dunne and Yaya against Villa was good to see.If he continues to develop and curb the attitude slightly, he will most definately become a fantastic goalscorer,hopefully for City
Stop press!
Emergency Council Meeting Trafford Council.
Forecast rapid decline in tourism will drastically affect local businesses.
The lad undoubtedly has a great talent, but it would appear like all "geniuses" he has some serious problems with his self discipline, however if Mancini can control him he could indeed be up there with the greatest players in the game.
CTID
He has the potential to be one of the best players in the world.the way he finishes the goals he scores with ease. reminds me of how robbie fowler did it at liverpool. it just comes natural, and he seems to in the right place at the right time. but he needs to concentrate on just playing his football, for a full 90 minutes. and not just every now and again, and not to get involved arguing with refs all the time, when decisions go against him. and not to let opposition try and wind him up. if he does that, we may well
have a world beater in our team. to go along with silva and tevez...
He's Rubbish
Ho ho ho.....what a larf! Is it April 1st??
He is by some distance the most talented player at City. His team-mates, especially Tevez, need to recognise this and pass to him. People think, rightly, that our build up ought to be quicker. Balo is the answer. He frequently hangs on the last shoulder - but doesn't get the ball. He has pace to burn, our qickest forward by far. If we use a Bellamy-style pace-over-the-top break away player, Balo is your man. This will have the effect of pushing opposing defences further back.
I want him to become the best in the World WHILE HE IS AT CITY.....he certainly can finish,but can he start and carry on?
The only division of opinion is from those on the outside looking in (the rent a rag mob) and Citys fans. With patience and time we will see the best of him.
Another moody freeloader on the city playing staff ! .Ive seen it too many times on these boards ... "Wolverhamton away "was the worst we have played all season" Everton at home "was the worst we have played all season" same comment for Notts county, Fulham, Wigan ! A huge amount of money spent & we are not even sure if we can get top 4 !!
"Sneijder, along with City, will be appearing at the Dublin Super Cup, a new annual pre-season tournament that will be hosted at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 30 and 31. "
Why don't we just sign the guy and add some creative depth to the squad? We saw what a carcass of a side City are when Silva is injured (see Fulham game)
Shown bits of quality that indicate a great player, but hasn't got the right attitude to be up there with Messi and Ronnie
I agree with some of the other contributors that the game seems to be to easy for him,his last goal was absolute class.The six goals he has scored so far in the Premiership are hopefully only a sign of what is to come.The goals that have been scored by the team so far have been reasonably spread out with 14 different players getting their names on the score sheet. Sadly neither Jo and Dzeko have yet scored in the Premier League.
Thought Robingone was one of the best players in the world when he was at Wastelands, believe me Ballosellme and Tevez will be jumping ship same as Adeoutofthedoor 9 trophies in 130 years, 25.000 at weekend v Reading who can blame them.
Balotelli is a great striker , and will become even greater , but nobody on the planet comes near Messi .
The press have got it in for Mario like they did for Robinho, every movement is captured by the cameras, although I have not seen this intensity with any other player.
He has been worth the money already this season and has to be played as often as possible.
His defensive contribution is overlooked.
Hopefully Tevez will learn to let him take the free-kicks.
Sorry but I just dont see it, he looks lazy, he wont track deep for the ball ( I know he shouldnt have to, but look at Tevez ! ) His attitude stinks, he's immature during one on ones. Put my missus in the goal mouth and she'll get a peg on the ball, skills got nothing to do with scoring from the goal mouth. I do not doubt he will one day be a great player, but will he be one at city, I dont think so, my moneys on big Edin.
With Tevez going in the summer let's hope BABY BALO is up to the task.
He could use the Dummy Tevez has when he scores to calm him down and when his teeth come through he can be taught to smlie instaed of grimmaceing for 90 mins, which much take a lot of concentration and drain his slowly developing "BRAIN"!!!
after watching spurs against ac milan yesterday, i was thinking would i want Robinho or Silva in my side. ermmmmmm Robinho , or Silva, ermmmmmmmmmmmmmmm let me think.......?
GIVE ME SILVA ANYDAY......................
'Mourinho publicly criticising a player considered by many in his homeland to be the most naturally talented Italian of all time.'
What? Where's the evidence of that? I haven't seen any statement by anyone of authority who has stated that. A country that has produced 4 World Cup winning teams, the great attacking team of the 30s, the great players of the Torino team that died in the 1949 air crash, Riva, Rivera, Baggio, Vialli, Mancini, Del Piero - and the 4 greatest defenders ever: Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta, Bergomi.
Sorry - but he's got a long way to go.
No its true, some of the inept performances we have had to endure are rediculous.. This team should be championship contenders next season, no excuse ! ! How many of the city staff could get into the Barcelona squad ? a few, if at all, And the way stolling ya ya put himself about is a joke ! Despite how much they get paid ! And for thoes of you who think ime a rag quite simply your wrong !
To me Super Mario is at his best when played up front. He has frustrated us all since he joined because you can see the talent he has. I think he gets frustrated with some players who dont pass when he makes good runs...Tevez is probably a prime example of that. Dont forget this is his first season and his stats speak for themselves.....he reminds me of when Drogba first came over here, come next season he will be alot more wiser. One thing ive noticed is refs cant wait to book him, and commentators love to go on about his lack of smiles etc, but conveniently dont mention things like when he broke up the argument with Dunne and Yaya etc.
Get behind this talent and help him grow into the player we could idolise for years to come.
would that be Mr Messy from the childrens books by any chance ?