Alexandre Pato

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. He is known for his blistering pace, acceleration, and clinical finishing.

Club career

Milan

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 win over 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.

International career

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.^[5] 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.

Personal life

Alexandre started playing indoor football (futsal) in his hometown at the age of 3. Soon his ability became known all around the south Brazilian state of Paraná and, after being praised by many of his managers, the teenager went to Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, to try out for Grêmio, his favourite team as a child. However, his family decided that he should sign for Sport Club Internacional. In 2001, at the age of 11, he moved there and started sharing housing with 83 other teenagers that, much like him, wanted to make a name for themselves in the first team.

Since 2007, Pato has been engaged in a relationship with a Brazilian actress known as Sthefany Brito, 2 years his senior. They broke up in January 2009, and it is said that they both agreed on breaking up because they cannot keep a long-distance relationship. But the newest information is that they are back together, less than two weeks after they had separated.

Career honours

Internacional

• Winner
  • FIFA Club World Cup: 2006
  • Recopa Sudamericana: 2007
  • Brazilian U-20 Championship: 2006

Brazilian national football team

• Winner
  • 2007 South American U-20 Championship
  • 2006 Sendai Cup
  • 2008 Beijing Olympics Men's football bronze medal

Individual

• • 2006 Brazilian U-20 Championships Top-Scorer
  • 2006 Brazilian U-20 Championships Most Valuable Player
  • 2006 Sendai Cup Top-Scorer
  • 2006 Sendai Cup Most Valuable Player