Alexandre Pato: the forgotten talent

It seems strange to think that Alexandre Pato is in his third season with AC Milan despite only being 23. A career that has already been blighted by numerous injuries, Pato has struggled to find fitness and form during his time in Italy. He arrived with much fanfare, then manager Carlo Ancelotti and Milan president Silvio Berlusconi (bunga bunga!) heralding him as the face of the Rossoneri's new generation, the player that will pave the way for glory for years to come. 

Only a few wise heads erred on the side of caution with the 20 year old, rightly pointing out that a move to such a big club (his first big club, having previously played Internacional in Brazil) and all the pressure that comes with it could be a hindrance to the young man rather than 

Pato scored on his debut for the club and when you look at his record for AC, 51 goals in 116 appearances, it reads well. But injuries proved problematic for Pato and this combined with the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic meant than Pato moved to the sidelines as he continued to suffer from thigh strains.

Milan won the Scudetto in 2010-11 season with Pato scoring goals at crucial points during the season as AC captured their first title since 2004. In January 2012, however, due to unrest with Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri Pato was on the brink of a transfer to newly rich Paris Saint German. Newly rich PSG were prepared to offer big money for the Brazilian's talents but, despite being in serious debt, Berlusconi refused to sell him. 

It is clear that Berlusconi believes that Pato is the man to lead Milan forward and this is evidenced in his refusal to sell him. Perhaps Pato's relationship with the President's daughter, Barbara, had a little something to do with it but it is an incredible show of faith in a player who has been injured so regularly.

Unfortunately for Pato he suffered yet another thigh strain in a pre-season training session prior to this season. He made his comeback, though, on the 20th October and if the young Brazilian can remain fit than look for the Rossoneri to start climbing back up the Serie A table as the mercurial talent is capable of carrying the team to many, many titles.

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