Glorea Bentil, AfricaNews reporter in Accra, Ghana
Cameroon international and Inter striker Samuel Eto'o has told his team-mate Mario Balotelli he could be a world class player, but that he still had to grow and improve. ''He is young and has great quality, he is very good,'' Eto'o said about the Italian-Ghanaian born youngster.
It has been reported that Eto’o has been somewhat of a mentor for the youngster this season and was seen trying to calm Balotelli down during Sunday’s match at Udinese.
"In this team we help each other. Since he only really listens to a few people, I wanted to give him my support," Eto’o told Sky Sport Italia.
The 19-year-old has a fiery temper and has already clashed with coach Jose Mourinho on a number of occasions this season, according to Goal.com report.
Eto’o comments echoed that of Italy coach Marcello Lippi, who has suggested that Balotelli lacks the experience and maturity to go to a World Cup.
“We believe in him, but Mario still has not played in the big games that really matter,” Eto’o concluded.