The striker was a sensation in his early years at Inter Milan and Manchester - albeit more famous for his off-pitch antics than his goalscoring heroics.

But the talent was clear to see as well, and never more so than during Italy's run to the Euro 2012 final in which Pirlo and Balotelli were the undisputed stars.

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Pirlo has poured praise on the 25-year-old, who is still on the books at Liverpool but who is certain to be sold on this summer.

"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," Pirlo told the Mirror.

"By now I thought that is where he would be, that is where he should be. He has no more time to waste."

Pirlo-Balotelli Image credit: Eurosport

The 37-year-old still believes that Balotelli can still become one of the best in the game.

“He has played for so many big clubs, it’s easy to forget he’s only 25,” he said, but cautioned that he has to be wary of who he plays for next.

"He still has time to make it at the very top," the NYC FC midfielder added. "He needs to pick his next club carefully. 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, he knows the qualities that he has. From this point, it’s up to Mario.”

Mario Balotelli and his famous t-shirt (Reuters) Image credit: Eurosport

Pirlo added that he loves his young compatriot, despite - and from the sounds of it, because of - his foibles.

"He frustrates me, but I do have so much affection for Mario," Pirlo said.

"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?

"Mario should not just be a character the media write about for good stories. We shouldn’t forget what a special player he is."

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