Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (born 2 September 1989 in Pato Branco, Paraná (state)), commonly known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian Football (soccer) positions striker, currently playing for Italian Serie A club A.C. Milan and the Brazil national football team. The nickname "Pato" is in honour of Alexandre Pato place of birth, but has led to commentators calling Alexandre Pato "The Duck," which is the literal translation of "Pato" from Portuguese language.

Early life

Alexandre started playing indoor football (futsal) in Alexandre Pato hometown at the age of three. Soon, Alexandre Pato ability became known all around the south Brazilian state of Paraná for being skillful and talented goal scorer and, after being praised by many of Alexandre Pato managers, the teenager went to Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, to try out for Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense. Alexandre Pato was turned away by Grêmio, the club whom Alexandre Pato had supported since a boy – but local rivals Internacional convinced Alexandre Pato to play for them. Despite the two clubs being bitter enemies, Pato’s parents convinced their youngster to switch Alexandre Pato allegiance.

In 2000, when Alexandre Pato was aged 11, Alexandre Pato doctors determined Alexandre Pato had a potentially malignant tumor in Alexandre Pato left arm, which occurred after Alexandre Pato broke it twice in the same place. If it was not removed, Alexandre Pato faced the possibility of it becoming cancerous in two months. Alexandre Pato family couldn't afford the surgery but one of their family friends, who is a doctor, operated as a volunteer for free.

Club career

Internacional

On Alexandre Pato first team debut, at the age of 17, Pato helped Internacional to a 4-1 win over Palmeiras on November 26, 2006. In this game, Pato had three assists and also scored a goal. Alexandre Pato appearance put the spotlight on the young player and created expectations and comparisons with another southern Brazilian superstar, the then FC Barcelona player Ronaldinho.

Following this stunning debut, Pato was included in the Internacional squad that travelled to Japan in December 2006 to compete at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. Internacional had qualified for this tournament by winning the Copa Libertadores 2006 in August. On December 13, 2006, Pato scored Internacional’s first goal of the tournament in the 23rd minute of the semi-final against CAF Champions League 2006 Al-Ahly, played at the Olympic Stadium (Tokyo) in Tokyo. Alexandre Pato was later substituted in the 65th minute due to cramp in Alexandre Pato right leg. Alexandre Pato replacement, Luiz Adriano, scored in the 72nd minute to give Internacional a 2-1 win and a place in the final against UEFA Champions League champions FC Barcelona.

The 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final was played at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on December 17, 2006, in front of 67,128 spectators. Alexandre Pato started the game, but was substituted for Luiz Adriano in the 61st minute with the score still 0-0. Therefore Pato was not on the field when Adriano Gabiru scored in the 82nd minute to give Internacional a shock 1-0 win and the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup.

Milan

Incumbent European champions A.C. Milan officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007.
Due to FIFA 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 Alexandre Pato 18th birthday. Pato made Alexandre Pato non-competitive debut in a 2–2 draw against FC Dynamo Kyiv on 7 September 2007 and scored a header. On 4 January 2008, Pato's transfer to Milan became official.

Pato scored Alexandre Pato first Milan goal on Alexandre Pato Serie A debut against S.S.C. Napoli in a 5–2 home victory on 13 January 2008. Alexandre Pato scored Alexandre Pato first brace for Milan, in a 2–0 victory over Genoa C.F.C. at the San Siro on 27 January 2008. Alexandre Pato finished the 2007–08 season with 9 goals in 20 appearances (18 in the league).

In late 2008, Pato scored two goals in Milan's 5–1 win over Udinese Calcio just before the Christmas break, and managed to shine again with a brace against A.S. Roma the following matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 January 2009, proving that Alexandre Pato is a vital part of Milan's attack. Alexandre Pato continued Alexandre Pato impressive form for Milan, hitting six goals in four games, including a game winning strike against ACF Fiorentina on 18 January. On 15 February, Alexandre Pato scored Alexandre Pato 11th goal of the season in a 2–1 defeat against home rivals F.C. Internazionale Milano. On 26 February, Pato scored Alexandre Pato 12th goal of the season against SV 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 Alexandre Pato good form with two goals against A.C. Siena on 15 March.

International career

After gaining prominence at club level, Pato was called up for the youth teams of Brazil. Alexandre Pato helped Brazil national under-20 football team 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 Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Alexandre Pato scored Alexandre Pato first goal for the senior Brazilian team on Alexandre Pato debut against Sweden national football team at the Emirates Stadium in England on 26 March 2008, beating Pelé's record of scoring a goal within seconds of Alexandre Pato full international debut.

Praise

Personal life

Since 2007, Pato has been engaged in a relationship with Brazilian actress Sthefany Brito, two years Alexandre Pato 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. On the evening of 7 July 2009, Pato wed Sthefany Brito in a ceremony at the Copacabana Palace.