Pato reflects on Milan career and says he ‘would come back’ to play for six months
Alexandre Pato spoke at the Festival dello Sport earlier today about his AC Milan career, the extensive injury struggles, the current Rossoneri side and much more.
Pato is definitely one of the fan favourites from the last 20 years or so, getting his breakthrough at a very early age with the red and black shirt (back in 2008). After an electric first season and a half, with 27 goals in 60 games, the injury struggles began.
Many believe that the striker never reached his true potential as a result of the injuries, and they certainly brought his Milan career to a halt. It wasn’t until 2013 that he left the club, but the final few years were no fun.
Pato speaks at the Festival dello Sport
Today, Pato was one of the key speakers at Festival dello Sport (via MilanNews), which is held once a year in Trento, and he shared his thoughts on various topics. From his career with Milan to the current state of the club, he covered it all.
On the goal against Barcelona after a few seconds…
“It was a great feeling. It was beautiful because everyone remembers that goal, it’s truly special. I’ll show it to my son every day before he goes to school (laughs).”
On buying Northampton Town, an English club that plays in League Two…
“I’m studying hard for this project, I’ve even taken several courses. If I wanted to stay in football, I wanted to do it as an owner. The goal? To get to the Champions League one day.”
On his childhood illness…
“My parents did so much for me; they helped me follow my dream. When I was little, I had a terrible illness (bone cancer in my left arm), and my family didn’t have the money to have me operated on. If I hadn’t had the surgery quickly, I would have lost my arm.
“My dad showed me some videos of me playing soccer and told him my dream was to become a soccer player, so Dr Mussi told my dad he’d operate on me for free. I even played with the cast on because I wanted to play so much.
“A few days after the operation, while I was walking, I saw a big villa and told my parents that one day I’d give them something like that. And at 16, after I signed my first professional contract, I did just that and bought the house across the street from the doctor’s.”
On joining AC Milan…
“When Milan came knocking, I had other offers, but I wanted Milan because there were so many Brazilians there, including Ronaldo. I often played with Milan on PlayStation, my dream had come true.
“The Brazilians helped me a lot, I spent a lot of time with them. I always wanted to be like Ronaldo, and at Milan I was able to play with him.”
On Ancelotti…
“He’s always been close to me and we’re still in touch. He has helped me a lot. One of the nicest gestures I’ve ever had in my career was when he took me by the hand and introduced me to the rest of the team. He taught me a lot. Now I hope he can do well as Brazil’s coach too.”
On seeking help from a psychologist…
“When I had so many injuries, I started to doubt my body. It’s always better to talk and express your emotions rather than keep everything inside.”
On his experience in China…
“I was supposed to go to PSG, I was supposed to earn a lot of money, but the deal fell through. I returned to Brazil and after a few years, an offer came in from China.
“I spoke to Cannavaro, who was the coach. I also went there for the money. When I arrived in China, my mindset changed; I wanted to help my teammates too. Those were two wonderful years.”
On the current AC Milan side…
“I always follow them. They’ve changed a lot compared to my Milan, just like all of football has. My Milan was the strongest team in the world. In the last few days, I spoke with Cardinale, and he’s convinced that AC Milan will return to winning ways.
“It’s not easy, the fans want to win right away, but I’m sure he will do everything he can to bring AC Milan back to winning ways. AC Milan always touches my heart, I would have liked to play with Modric, I hope Luka can do well.
“If AC Milan called me for six months, I would come back and play .”
On which players he likes in the current team…
“I really liked Leao, it’s a shame he left. I also really like Pulisic; he has the courage to take the ball and go for the goal. Now he’s back to scoring, he has more confidence, and we hope he can help AC Milan return to the Champions League.”
On the Orlando experience…
“I had a serious injury, but it was a great two years. It was just my wife and me at the time. It was a wonderful experience, and I’ll cherish it.”
On his experiences in England and Spain…
“I was on loan in England. It was nice, but I didn’t like how they behaved. At Chelsea, I only played two games, but I managed to score one goal. Then I returned to Brazil, and I’ll tell you how I called Bonera, my former teammate at Milan, to ask him if he was looking for a striker.
“A few days later, the Villarreal coach called me to ask if I really wanted to go and play in Spain. There, I learned to manage my body. I’ve learned something from every experience I’ve had.”
On his teammates at AC Milan…
“There was a Brazilian table, an Italian table, and a table for the rest of the world. One day I wanted to play a prank on Gattuso, but he grabbed me by the hair (laughs). At that time, there were so many champions at AC Milan.
“Cafu would finish training and then stay in the gym to train some more. He taught me a lot. Maldini was also a great example, as was Beckham, a player I’ve always followed. One day, while he was showering, I went to his locker and saw the perfume he used. I still use that perfume today. We became friends; he’s someone I look up to since he’s also a team owner.”
On his passion for tennis…
“I really love playing tennis, I’d like to turn professional, but it’s not easy. I can’t wait to meet Federer. I asked a friend who knew him for Roger’s racket, and shortly afterwards, he brought it to me with his autograph and dedication.
“One day I was supposed to play tennis, I used that racket, and the dedication faded. So I’m asking Federer if we can meet again so he can give me back his autographed racket.”
On Del Piero…
“One day I went to his house in Turin because I wanted to take a photo with him. We also had dinner with him afterwards. It’s always a pleasure to meet him.”
