AC Milan playmaker Kaka has called on teammate Mario Balotelli to realise the significance of his actions both on and off the field.

The Italian international has been the subject of several controversies throughout his career, and Kaka feels that his Rossoneri colleague must now embrace the tag of 'role model'.

"Mario is a great guy [but] he must understand that in the world of football he has his responsibility, both with Milan and the Italian national team," Kaka told Tiki Taka.

"He is a model for many people and must understand and better manage something that is so important."

Milan play Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.