The Brazil legend has warned the striker to focus solely on football rather than on his activities off the pitch
Ronaldo believes the plight of Adriano should serve as a warning to Mario Balotelli not to waste his talent.

Remember a certain Adriano? Not the Barcelona Adriano. The guy that played for Inter Milan.

He was tipped to be the next big thing in football. He was respected all over the world by players and fans alike. The infamous story of the superstar that had it all, and lost it all in a matter of seconds.

Full name Adriano Leite Ribiero, once the hero of Italian football with Inter Milan and the future of Brazilian football, is now almost forgotten. His goal-scoring record for his country was incredible. He averaged well over one goal every two games, picking up awards for top scorer in both the Copa America in 2004 and the Confederations Cup in 2005.

Adriano was respected and his talent was adored world-wide. He had everything going for him. He was tipped to be the next Ronaldo and played along-side the Brazilian legend on many occasions for the national side. There were even claims that he would one day be better than Ronaldo. Yet problems with Alcohol and problems off the pitch would over-shadow the career of this once beloved striker.

The Italy international has arguably made the headlines more for his behaviour off the pitch than on it and Ronaldo has not forgotten about what happened his former Brazil team-mate.

"We have all done some stupid things at some point in our lifes, but it's important to realise when it's time to quit. I remember the example of Adriano, although that is not necessarily related to Balotelli's situation, because it's a bit different," the retired Selecao legend told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Adriano had crazy skills and a fantastic physique. He could do whatever he wanted on the pitch. However, at some point he simply couldn't do it anymore. So the only advice I can give Balotelli is to focus on his football and not to throw away his talent.

"Balotelli has a certain talent, the way he strikes the ball and scores goals. He's not there yet, though. He can still improve and has plenty of time to do just that. But his age must not become an excuse.

"Balotelli has everything to become a great, but he must win titles first. The difference between becoming a champion or just a good player is whether you win important trophies."

The 22-year-old will be looking to add his first piece of silverware with Italy's senior side to his trophy cabinet this summer as they take part in the Confederations Cup.

Adriano had it all and lost it all, a man tipped as one of the most promising talents in world football is now forgotten. Yet another victim of the football graveyard. I hope Balotelli yields the advices from a great striker, else…

SOURCE: http://futbolgist.com/2013/06/15/balotelli-dont-be-another-adriano/