Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (born 2 September 1989, in Pato Branco, Paraná), better known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian striker currently playing for Italian Serie A club Milan. The nickname 'Pato' is in honour of his place of birth but has led to commentators calling him 'The Duck' following the English translation. David Beckham has stated in an interview after joining Milan recently that Pato will definitely be one of the best players in years to come.
Incumbent European champions Milan officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007. The transfer fee paid amounts to the minimum fee clause in Pato's contract with Internacional for €22 million.
Due to Italian football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until 3 January 2008, when the Italian transfer window and registration reopened. However, Milan was allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning 3 September 2007, one day after his 18th birthday. Pato made his non-competitive debut in a 2–2 draw against Dynamo Kiev on 7 September 2007 and scored a header. On 4 January 2008, Pato's transfer to Milan became official.
Pato scored his first Milan goal on his Serie A debut against Napoli in a 5–2 home victory on 13 January 2008. He scored his first brace for Milan, in a 2–0 victory over Genoa at the San Siro on 27 January 2008. Pato scored two goals in Milan's 5-1 defeat of Udinese just before the Christmas break, and managed to shine again with a brace against Roma the following matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 January 2009, proving that he is a vital part of Milan's offense. His second goal really announced his arrival in Serie A, receiving the ball near the half way line from Ronaldinho, leaving Philippe Mexès for dead with a devastating turn of pace and delicately chipping Roma keeper Doni from a tight angle. He continued his impressive form for Milan, hitting 6 goals in 4 games including a well placed, game winning strike into the bottom right-hand corner against Fiorentina on 18 January. On 15 February, he scored his 11th goal of the season in a 2-1 defeat against home rivals Internazionale. On 26 February, Pato scored his 12th goal of the season against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup, a game Milan drew 2-2, but with this were knocked out the competition on the away goals rule. Pato continued his wonderful form in the domestic season with a stunning strike from outside the box against Siena on March 15. He doubled his tally in the match by scoring a placed finish after rounding goalkeeper Gianluca Curci.
After gaining prominence at club level, Pato was called up for the youth teams of Brazil. He helped Brazil win the 2007 South American Youth Championship, which qualified the country for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and has been selected by Dunga for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He scored his first goal for the senior team on his debut against Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in England on 26 March 2008. Pato beat Pelé's record of scoring a goal within seconds of his debut.
No comments:
Post a Comment