The AC Milan midfielder believes that the attacker's return to the peninsula has played a major role in his fine performances in 2013.
Nigel de Jong says Mario Balotelli's decision to leave Manchester City for a return to Italy at AC Milan in the January transfer window was a key moment in his development as a player.
The Italy international was going through a difficult time at City last season when the Rossoneri came knocking in the winter, but he was quickly back to his usual best at the San Siro side as he netted 12 goals in 13 Serie A appearances to help Milan to a third place finish and a Champions League berth.

De Jong, who also left City to go to Milan last year, says the transformation in Balotelli's character since his return has helped the 22-year-old's game immensely.
"During his time at
City, Balotelli occasionally said some silly things, but he's a real champion here at Milan," De Jong told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I think it was very important for him to be closer to his family again. He never does anything wrong now he's back in Italy.

"In addition to being a great player who is still improving a lot, Balotelli is also a great guy."
Balotelli scored in Milan's 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy in the Guinness International Champions Cup third-place game Wednesday night.