Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong warns Mario Balotelli to learn from his mistakes

UEFA Europa League : Mario Balotelli, Manchester City v Dynamo Kie

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Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has urged team-mate Mario Balotelli to learn from his mistakes after his latest disciplinary problem.

Balotelli was sent off against Dinamo Kiev on Thursday for a high challenge and has since expressed his apologies.

The 26-year-old, who has faced similar criticism this season, insists Balotelli cannot afford to make such costly errors in the future.

“He is a young boy of 20 and he has to learn from his mistakes,” De Jong said, according to Sky Sports News.

“I told him, everyone told him. He is still part of the squad and has a lot of potential.

“He is a very good player but has to realise, on a professional level, you sometimes have to change your mentality.”

The Dutch international wants Balotelli to learn from the more senior players in his team.

“We are there to help him, not to criticise him or blast him away,” added the Dutch international.

“He is still a young lad and has a lot to learn. But he has experienced guys around him and has to listen to them.

“After the game he was angry and he was disappointed. Sometimes you make mistakes and Mario made his mistake. But he will get everything straight again.”

City play Chelsea on Sunday and it has been suggested manager Roberto Mancini will not select the striker.