Ignazio Abate hopeful of long-term Mario Balotelli commitment

AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate has said that he wants Mario Balotelli to remain at the club for a long time.

The 22-year-old forward joined the Italian giants from Manchester City in January.

"Balotelli's mentality seems right to me," Abate told reporters. "I hope he stays at Milan for a long time. Milanello is a family, everyone helps each other."

Balotelli has scored seven goals in six Serie A appearances for Milan so far.