Mario Balotelli Yet to Achieve Extraordinary Things in Football, says Fabio Cannavaro

Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has criticised his compatriot Mario Balotelli, claiming the AC Milan striker has more fame than game.

The former Manchester City star was Milan's top goal scorer last season finishing with an impressive 14 goals and six assists in 30 league games.

But when asked if he believed the star's fame outweighs his contribution on the field, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star Cannavaro told AS: "(He has) more fame than game.

"He is very famous, but this may be due to the fact that he has played for Inter, Manchester City and now plays for AC Milan, and not because he has done extraordinary things on the field, like Neymar, (Lionel) Messi and (Arjen) Robben are doing now in the World Cup.

"In football, the name does not matter - only winning.

"What is important is what you do on the field. Until now, Balotelli who has extraordinary potential, has not expressed it," said Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning Cannavaro.

Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has indicated his client will consider a move away from Milan this summer following Italy's disappointing World Cup campaign – which ended at the group stages after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in their decisive final game which prompted manager Cesare Prandelli to hand in his resignation.

In the aftermath of their elimination, Prandelli highlighted Balotelli's inclusion as a "mistake", comments which have worked to create further uncertainty over his future role at international level and for the Rossoneri – and recently Raiola admitted the striker is now feeling "sad and desperate."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is an admirer of the Serie A forward and is reportedly keen to bring the Italian international back to the Premier League.