M'Baye Niang has claimed that he has now matured as a footballer and person following a series of off-the-field incidents.

Niang arrived at AC Milan as an 18-year-old from Caen in 2012 and initially struggled to make his mark with the Italian giants.

Now 20, the striker has scored twice in three Serie A games this season and the French youth international has said that he is ready to step up to the mark.

"I have matured and learned from my experiences. Psychologically I am no longer the same person and have become much more responsible," he told France Football.

"When I was young I made mistakes, it's true, but certain events made me realise I risked ruining my career for some really stupid things. I regret all of that, but it did help me to mature.

"Some say I'm not fully mature yet, but they don't know me. On the field I've always given my all. People said I wasn't professional and that I came from a rough background... rubbish!"

Niang has also spent periods on loan at both Montpellier and Genoa.