Alexandre Pato is a man that knows the Milan derby well, and he will be watching from afar while cheering on his former team AC Milan this evening.
Pato joined Mlan back in August 2007 and it was in 2008-09 that he scored 18 goals in 42 matches in all competitions, considered a breakout season. It was during that campaign he became known as one of the biggest talents in European football.
He got the Golden Boy and Serie A Young Footballer of the Year awards off the back of that season, and then in 2010-11 he scored 14 goals in 25 games to help Milan win the Scudetto.
However, repeated injuries struck and he never fulfilled his full potential at Milan, eventually leaving. Spells at various clubs have followed and he is now back at Sao Paulo in Brazil.
Pato makes no secret that his heart is red and black based on his social media timelines, and he spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of this evening’s game.
Where do you think you’d play in Pioli’s 4-3-3?
“Well, as well as being a centre-forward I could be a left-winger. A position that I have always liked, except that at the time a certain Ronaldinho arrived and I slipped to the right.”
Do you like Milan’s tactical innovations this year?
“A lot, and it was necessary to change. It’s something Kakà often talked about: ‘After a couple of years at most you have to change the structure, because the others eventually get to know you’. The set-up must be changed, you must always be one step ahead, and Pioli is. He makes this happen.”
You are always very well informed about ‘your’ Milan…
“I watch it as often as I can, it will always be in my heart. And I pay attention to all the news.”
Let’s start with Pulisic: a good start…
“I like him a lot, he brings the enormous English knowledge to Italy, even if he will have to get used to the fact that you pay much more attention to the tactical part. I’m sure he’ll do very well.”
The other new name on the right is Chukwueze…
“Strong, resistant and very fast: the top conditions for playing on the wing. I must say that the club had an important, smart and well-constructed mercato. They also signed a friend of mine.”
Which is?
“Loftus-Cheek, we played together at Chelsea in 2016. He’s very strong, too strong. I’m pleased that he’s fitting in so well.”
Can Giroud be the new Ibra in terms of charisma, experience and importance in the dressing room?
“Certainly. Olivier is a great player, he knows how to score goals in every way and young people need role models like him. He is a very positive person, who talks to everyone. A leader.”
Leao studies to become one. Is he potentially worthy of the Ballon d’Or?
“I think you have to be patient. He is changing for the better very quickly, he is already a great player. He has all the capabilities to reach that goal, but gradually. Better… don’t talk too much about him, for his sake.
“However, the renewal with Milan was the right decision, the best one for him. I’m happy he stayed, I support him because he is a special player. I want to see him win with Milan.”
Maldini, a player you know well, was sacked…
“I obviously don’t know the story closely. I can only say that for me he is a good person and he has done a great job.”
Do you like the ‘American way’ that Milan are going?
“I’m happy because they put the club with the fuel it needed, and I’m sure that with them Milan will only have to grow.”
Another farewell was your old friend Ibra…
“He was a legend of football, and also of Milan. I think he now wants to dedicate himself more to the family aspect. In my opinion he could do like Kakà, who is studying hard to return to the world of football one day.
“As a director? He has a great intelligence that would allow him to play such a delicate role. Basically, he remains a great motivator. From what I know, he would be a perfect director.”
What effect did it have on you, someone who played 22 matches and scored 6 goals in the Champions League with Milan, to see the Rossoneri in the semi-final?
“Milan are a top club, so the Champions League must be its home. Among other things, the Champions League also served to restore the charm of the past: now all the players, or almost all, want to go to Milan.”
Milan being the best in Europe was Berlusconi’s most glittering achievement…
“His death shocked and saddened me greatly. In those days I kept informed with Galliani, who went to visit him in hospital and updated me. He is the one who brought me to Milan, he gave me and helped me a lot, even in personal terms.
“I could define him as a friend-president. They are those people who are born once in a while. I remember when he called me and told me to play closer to the goal, I remember his jokes. An amazing person, he will always be in my heart.”
Let’s go back to the match between Milan and Inter, with a very simple question: who gets to the second star first?
“I strongly believe in what was my team, and which I still feel is mine: there is a great team, a great coach. Winning this derby would be the best hope for winning the title and a second star.”
