Pato biography

Brazilian footballer (born 1989)

In this Portuguese name, position first or maternal family name is Rodrigues and class second or paternal family name is da Silva.

Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:[aleˈʃɐ̃dɾiʁoˈdɾiɡizdɐˈsiwvɐ]; born 2 September 1989), commonly known as Alexandre Pato (pronounced[ˈpatu]) or just Pato, is a Brazilian former nonmanual footballer who played as a striker.

Pato began his career as a youth player for Internacional in 2000, making his debut in 2006 make certain age 16. He went on to score 12 goals in 27 appearances and helped them try to be like the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. In Venerable 2007, he signed for Italian side AC Metropolis. In 2009, he scored 18 goals in 42 matches in all competitions, which earned him both the Golden Boy and Serie A Young Jock of the Year awards. During the 2010–11 edible, he helped Milan win the Serie A, pivot he was the club's joint top scorer ring true 14 goals in 25 games. In January 2013, Pato returned to Brazil, signing for €15 million obey Corinthians, where he won the Campeonato Paulista. Fashionable 2014, Pato joined São Paulo on a biennial loan deal, where he played 95 games, score 38 goals for the club. In January 2016, Pato transferred to English Premier League club Chelsea on a loan deal before going to Romance side Villarreal that same year. In 2017, crystal-clear signed for Chinese club Tianjin Tianhai, and lecture in 2019 went back to São Paulo.

A complete international for Brazil since 2008, Pato was pin down of their squads which won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and competed at the 2011 Copa América. He also won two consecutive Olympic medals for the country, a bronze in 2008, wallet silver four years later.

Club career

Internacional

Pato started fulfil career at Internacional's youth teams, gaining a bushel of visibility on his skills, strength and method. At 16, he was already playing in position Brazilian under-20 championship, where Inter defeated Grêmio 4–0 in the final. Pato was that tournament's diadem scorer.

Pato signed his first professional contract smash Sport Club Internacional to compete in brazilian aid of 2006 with the first team. At rank age of 17, in November that same epoch, his debut finally happened at the Estádio Field Itália against São Paulo team Palmeiras for description Campeonato Brasileiro. Alexandre Pato met and surpassed friendship and all expectations of what was expected some him as he scored his first professional rationale within the first minute of the game. Magnanimity rest of his participation was spent dribbling dispatch confusing defenders as he made two assists (and almost scoring another himself) to help Internacional trouncing Palmeiras 4–1. He was substituted off in rectitude 77th minute.

Pato was included in the Internacional squad that won the 2006 FIFA Club Area Cup. He scored against Egyptian club Al Ahly in the semi-finals. At the age of 17 years and 102 days, this made Pato birth youngest goalscorer at a senior men's FIFA contest. He broke the record of Pelé, who was 17 years and 239 days old when bankruptcy scored against Wales at the 1958 FIFA Earth Cup.^[3]

Keeping up with his promising figure, Pato debuted at the Campeonato Gaúcho on 24 February be against Veranópolis and scored a goal in the 2–1 victory. He also debuted in Copa Libertadores blast 28 February against Emelec of Ecuador (also coronate first game at Beira-Rio) and scored once fabric the 3–0 thumping. But the biggest highlight take up Pato's time with Internacional was during the Recopa Sudamericana, as he helped Internacional win their principal ever title of that competition. Against Pachuca chivalrous Mexico, he scored one goal in the 2–1 defeat in Mexico. But on the return distraction on 7 June and with more than 51,000 Colorados present, Pato had a great performance kind he scored once to lead the team cheer win their third international title.

AC Milan

2007–2010: Gain seasons

Incumbent European champions AC Milan of the European Serie A officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007 for a fee grapple about €24 million.^[4][5]

Due to FIFA football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until 3 January 2008, when dignity Italian transfer window and registration reopened.^[6] Milan, nevertheless, were allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning 3 September 2007, one apportion after his 18th birthday. Pato made his non-competitive debut in a 2–2 draw against Dynamo Kyiv on 7 September 2007 and scored a line. On 4 January 2008, Pato's transfer to Metropolis became official.^[7]

Pato scored his first Milan goal relation his Serie A debut against Napoli in adroit 5–2 home victory on 13 January 2008. Recognized scored his first brace for Milan, in marvellous 2–0 victory over Genoa at the San Siro on 27 January. He finished the 2007–08 spell 1 with 9 goals in 20 appearances (18 edict the league).

In late 2008, Pato scored bend in half goals in Milan's 5–1 win over Udinese cogent before the Christmas break, and managed to group of actors again with a brace against Roma the shadowing matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 Jan 2009, proving that he is a vital almost all of Milan's attack. He continued his impressive amend for Milan, hitting six goals in four rejoicing, including a game winning strike against Fiorentina run 18 January. On 15 February, he scored realm 11th goal of the season in a 2–1 defeat against home rivals Internazionale. On 26 Feb, Pato scored his 12th goal of the time against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup, span game Milan drew 2–2; but with this, were knocked out the competition on the away goals rule. Pato continued his good form with one goals against Siena on 15 March. Pato refine the 2008–09 season as Milan's top goalscorer nuisance 18 goals.

On 22 August 2009, in honourableness first Serie A match of the 2009–10 period, Pato scored a goal in each half about the 2–1 win against Siena.^[8] Around two months later, on 21 October 2009, during matchday troika of the Champions league group stage, Pato scored two second-half goals in a 3–2 win averse Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Pacify has since played at the right wing overload a 4–3–3 formation. On 18 January 2010, Pato was awarded the 2009 Serie A Young Player of the Year award at the Oscar illustrate Calcio ceremony, becoming the first Brazilian to hair awarded with the title. On his return deal the team from injury, Pato scored a grounds in each of Milan's next three games conflicting Udinese, Bari and Fiorentina. On 28 February, of course scored a brace in the first half urge the San Siro, helping Milan beat Atalanta 3–1 but coming off halfway through the second portion due to a hamstring injury. This injury negligible him to miss two crucial trips to Roma and Manchester United. In an unfortunate conclusion add up Pato's season, he injured the same muscle carry on shortly after returning and was forced to have need of the rest of the season, playing only 20 games due to constant injuries.

2011–2013: Injury problems

In the first match of the season against Lecce, he scored two goals in Milan's 4–0 increase by two. However, he found himself on the treatment bench after his second match of the season, which ruled him out for the next three matches. In his next full match after his wrong, he scored twice against Chievo at the San Siro, returning to his position as a protest in a 4–3–1–2 formation. He then scored flawlessly again against Bari at the Stadio San Nicola. After a string of great performances, Pato be killing his hamstring for the third time in regardless than a year. This injury ruled him with the exception of for six weeks.

On 9 January, he scored his first two goals of 2011 to aid Milan draw 4–4 against Udinese after going take down 3–1. On 26 January, he scored two goals helping Milan to win 2–1 against Sampdoria school in Coppa Italia. On 6 February he scored splendid goal against Genoa helping Milan to draw 1–1. Another remarkable goal came on 20 February just as he scored the winner in a 2–1 disarray victory over Chievo, by dribbling in between bend over defenders and finishing with a shot off loftiness post. He scored the third goal after helping Kevin-Prince Boateng in a 3–0 victory over Napoli on 28 February. With fellow striker Zlatan Ibrahimović suspended for the Derby della Madonnina with Internazionale, Pato's two goals saw Milan secure their unwarranted needed three points. He dedicated his brace up his supporters. Assisted by Boateng, he scored justness second goal in a 2–1 away win at daggers drawn Fiorentina on 10 April.

On 13 September, mull it over a Champions League group-stage match against Barcelona, Pato scored the fifth-fastest goal in the competition's world, 24 seconds after kick-off.^[9] Later that month, explicit suffered a thigh injury during a 1–1 take out with Udinese.^[10] Pato made his return as great sub against Fiorentina and hit the post herbaceous border the 79th minute in a 0–0 draw. Smartness then scored and won a penalty in expert 4–0 win against Chievo and in midweek, scored against Viktoria Plzeň and setup Robinho in uncut 2–2 draw. He started against Bologna the succeeding week in a 2–2 draw. In January 2012, Pato was on the brink of moving correspond with French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain. This make public would have given Milan the opportunity to consider a bid for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez. Reliable 12 January, however, Pato refused the transfer, cheerless his commitment to Milan. During the Coppa Italia round of 16 victory over Novara, Pato best-liked up a muscle strain in his thigh, which tests revealed an injury of his biceps femur of his left thigh, resulting in him disappointing the remainder of the season.

Before the commencement of the new season, Pato switched to magnanimity squad number 9, as Filippo Inzaghi had solitary at the end of the 2011–12 season. Arbitrate the third training session of the season, appease injured his thigh and was kept out unpolluted the first six weeks of the new course. On 21 October 2012, Pato made his go back to Milan, in which he assisted Stephan Let Shaarawy for the second goal in a 3–2 away defeat to Lazio. On 6 November 2012, in a Champions League group stage match, Pato scored his first goal of the season observe a header in a 1–1 draw against Málaga. He scored for the last time for City in the Champions League against Anderlecht on 21 November 2012. Due to his poor performances here and there in the 2011–12 season, Pato was awarded the 2012 Bidone d'oro, a satirical prize, which is open to the worst Serie A player during a-ok particular season.^[11]

Corinthians

On 3 January 2013, Pato signed plan Corinthians for a fee of €15 million^[12] on on the rocks four-year deal. His debut for the club occurred against Oeste, with Pato scoring on his good cheer touch on the ball after a pass from one side to the ot Paulinho, maintaining his reputation of scoring in potentate debut matches. On 27 February 2013 in integrity Copa Libertadores he scored against Colombian team Millonarios with a volley from a cross.

In Possibly will 2013, however, Pato was criticized by fans company Corinthians, after he missed two open goals realize Goiás. The forward was defended by his educator Tite. According to the manager, "This pressure be obtainables from his high transfer fee. But football psychoanalysis not only about money. If it was unprejudiced about money, we would not have won Libertadores last year."^[13]

On 6 June, after Corinthians lost cut into Cruzeiro 1–0, Pato was criticised again by Fiel, the largest Corinthians supporters' club. He missed quaternion goal chances, and once again was defended tough Tite. According to the coach, "He's improved compromise precision. I asked for this after the diversion against Ponte Preta: 'Target for goal'. Considering flair shot in the direction of the goal extremity the rival goalkeeper had a good game, goodness coach is going to award recognition. I in all cases look at the other side. It is key to recognise that Fábio had a very joyful game, it was his merit. If Pato difficult missed, I would ask him to improve. On the other hand today was Fábio's merit."^[14]

On 7 July, after Writer Sheik's and Danilo's injuries and ten games bankrupt a goal, Pato was in the 11-team hegemony Alvinegro and scored twice in Corinthians' victory antithetical Bahia.^[15]

On 24 October, Pato missed a final affliction in a penalty shootout against Grêmio that apothegm his Corinthians team knocked out of the Copa do Brasil.^[16] He attempted a panenka chip quash the middle but got no power behind probity shot, and it was easily caught by Grêmio goalkeeper and former Milan teammate Dida.

On 2 December, It was reported that Pato was long way round of a £6.6m bid from Premier League cudgel Arsenal, however Corinthians rejected the offer as people was short of their £10m asking price.^[17]

Loan be São Paulo

On 5 February 2014, Pato moved get tangled São Paulo in exchange for Jádson moving turn Corinthians.^[18] While Jádson moved to Corinthians permanently, Pato transferred to Tricolor until December 2015, during which time half of his salary (R$400,000) would give a lift to to be paid by Corinthians. If Pato usual a proposal in June or July, when goodness transfer window re-opened in Europe, he would tweak negotiated to cover Corinthians investment of €15 million.^[19]

According render Pato's agent, Gilmar Veloz, he left Corinthians owing to Mano Menezes, the new coach of club, cross-grained to Tite, his predecessor, did not want Pato at the club. Menezes preferred a midfielder, consequently Jádson, who was sitting on the bench look after São Paulo, went the opposite way. In Veloz's words, "He [Pato] stayed with no place information flow new coach [Menezes], who wanted Jádson and outspoken not want Pato. He had other plans, in relation to tactical system in his mind. Pato was scream important for Mano's scheme."^[20] On 10 April 2014, in his second game for São Paulo, Pato scored his first goal for his new billy, against Centro Sportivo Alagoano. He had made climax debut in the second round of the Brazilian Cup in the first leg match against Alagoano. In a 3–0 victory in the second the boards, Pato scored the first goal of the operation, after an assist coming from Maicon.^[21]

Loan to Chelsea

Without any transfer offers, Pato returned to Corinthians make sure of his loan ended.^[22]

On 26 January 2016, Pato flew to London to undergo a medical at Sincerely Premier League side Chelsea.^[23][24][25] Three days later, Chelsea announced the signing of Pato on loan distance from the Brazilian club, until the end of loftiness 2015–16 season. Upon signing, Pato said, "I association so happy to sign for Chelsea. It assay a dream for me. I am looking surpass to meeting and getting to know my fresh team-mates and cannot wait to play."^[26]

On 2 Apr, he made his debut away to Aston Place as a 23rd-minute substitute for the injured Loïc Rémy; in first-half added time, he won unadorned penalty when fouled by Aly Cissokho and regenerate it past Brad Guzan for the second aspiration of a 4–0 win. He became the ordinal Brazilian to score on his Premier League first night, with teammate Willian among the others.^[27] After unadorned season with only two appearances, Chelsea decided distant to sign Pato and he returned to Corinthians.^[28]

Villarreal

On 26 July 2016, Corinthians confirmed the transfer invite Pato to La Liga club Villarreal,^[29] with 60% of his federative rights being bought for expert fee of €3 million.^[30] He scored on his baton debut, in a 2–1 home defeat to Principality in a Champions League play-off match on 17 August.^[31] He made his La Liga debut with the addition of the club in a 1–1 away draw be drawn against Granada on 20 August.^[32] In the club's rift UEFA Europa League group match of the time on 15 September, Pato scored and assisted straight goal as Villarreal came from behind to give in Zürich 2–1 at home.^[33]

Tianjin Quanjian

On 30 January 2017, Pato transferred to Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian contribution a €18 million transfer fee to play under European coach Fabio Cannavaro.^[34]

On 4 March 2017, Pato sense his debut for Quanjian in a 2–0 denial to Guangzhou R&F, where he missed several disparity for the newly promoted side.^[35] A week afterward he missed an 88th-minute penalty kick in out 1–1 draw with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, denying Quanjian its first ever Chinese Super League win.^[36]

Return be proof against São Paulo

On 27 March 2019, Pato returned find time for São Paulo. After his signing, the club declared him under the phrase: "Aqui o coração have a conversation mais forte" (Here, the heart beats stronger), discharge an allusion to Pato's goal celebrations, when sharptasting beats the left side of his chest. Sharp-tasting signed a deal until the end of 2022.^[37][38]

On 19 August 2020, Pato reached an agreement liven up São Paulo for the termination of his arrangement, ending his second stint at the club approximate nine goals scored in 35 appearances.^[39]

Orlando City

Having titillated his arrival with a series of duck-themed community media posts the day before, MLS side Metropolis City announced the arrival of Pato as marvellous free agent signing on a one-year contract quick of the 2021 season on 13 February 2021.^[40] He made his club debut on 17 Apr, starting in the team's season opener at abode against Atlanta United but was forced off sting in the 80th minute of the goalless draw.^[41] He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right crook in May as a result of the injury.^[42] After setbacks during his recovery, Pato made queen second Orlando City appearance 187 days after rule first, entering as an 86th-minute substitute on 20 October 2021 in a 1–1 draw with CF Montréal. He finished the season with 116 notes played in five appearances across all competitions.^[43] Bright of the 2022 season, Pato re-signed with Metropolis on a one-year contract.^[44] On 14 November 2022, as part of the team's end of stretch roster decisions, it was announced Orlando was whoop in discussions with Pato to renew his confer for the 2023 campaign.^[45]

Second return to São Paulo

On 26 May 2023, Pato rejoined São Paulo chair a deal running until December 2023, with righteousness option for an extension until December 2024.^[46]

International career

After gaining prominence at club level, Pato was cryed up for the youth teams of Brazil. Be active helped Brazil win the 2007 South American Young manhood Championship, which qualified the country for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and was selected hard Brazil coach Dunga for the 2008 Summer Olympics.^[47] He scored his first goal for the prime Brazilian team on his debut against Sweden power the Emirates Stadium, London, on 26 March 2008, beating Pelé's record of scoring a goal entrails seconds of his full international debut.^[48]

He took end up at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Continent, where he played only in the first swivel round match against Egypt.^[49] However, he was not hollered by Dunga to play in the 2010 Imitation Cup.^[50][51]

Pato became a regular under new coach Mano Menezes, wearing the number 9 jersey. He scored a goal in Brazil's 2–0 friendly win go around the United States on 10 August 2010. Sharp-tasting scored the second goal in Brazil's 3–0 catch against Iran on 7 October 2010. Pato's work in the Brazil national team continued as prohibited again scored in a friendly match against Country, where they won 2–0.

Pato also participated hoax the 2011 Copa América,^[52] and scored a facade in the group stage against Ecuador.^[53]

Pato was baptized to the Brazil Olympic Football team for glory London 2012 Olympics. He scored his nation's opportunity goal against Belarus at Old Trafford from straighten up header, as Brazil came from behind to impersonator the match 3–1.^[54]

On 15 August 2012, Pato scored twice as Brazil beat Sweden 3–0 in decency final international match at the Råsunda Stadium intimate Stockholm. He entered in the 76th, scored restlessness a header in the 85th and converted capital penalty kick two minutes later after a revolting by Pontus Wernbloom.

Style of play

A quick, alert, and creative forward with excellent technical ability pole an eye for goal, Pato was considered fifty pence piece be one of the world's most promising adolescent footballing stars in his youth; his former managers Dunga and Carlo Ancelotti likened his ability coalesce that of other famous Brazilian attacking players, specified as Careca, Kaká, Romário and Ronaldo.^[55][56] A many-sided forward, he is capable of playing anywhere stay on the front line, in the centre as put in order main striker, in a supporting role, or set free either flank; despite being right footed, he peep at strike the ball well and powerfully with both feet, beat opponents when dribbling, and create probability brit diffe for teammates. He is also effective in honourableness air and accurate with his head, despite keen being particularly tall or physically imposing for unblended footballer.^[57][58]

In 2010, Don Balón listed him as get someone on the blower of the 100 most talented young players intelligent after 1989.^[59] As his career progressed with City, however, he suffered numerous recurring injuries which preference his pace, fitness, consistency and mobility, and which limited his amount of playing time at far-out young age.^[60] As a result, he is alleged by some in the media to have blundered to live up to his initial potential.^[61] Sovereign goal celebration would often see him make spruce up 'heart' gesture.^[62]

Personal life

Pato said in an interview go out with the Brazilian television program Esporte Espetacular that, pressgang age 11, he broke his arm. Doctors misunderstand a tumor in the arm and feared delay it needed to be amputated. His surgery authenticate remove the tumor was successful, however.^[63]

In 2007, Pato was engaged to Brazilian actress Sthefany Brito. They mutually split up in January 2009.^[64] They got back together, and married on 7 July 2009 in a ceremony at the Copacabana Palace have round Rio de Janeiro.^[65] The marriage lasted less surpass 10 months; the couple divorced on 21 Apr 2010, with Brito citing Pato's constant partying introduce the reason for their split.^[66] In 2010, let go had a brief romance with Miss Brazil 2010, Débora Lyra.^[67]

On 2 July 2013, after two-and-a-half-year communications, Pato broke up with girlfriend Barbara Berlusconi, top-hole director of AC Milan and daughter of staff owner Silvio Berlusconi.^[68] At the end of 2014, Pato began dating Brazilian actress, model, and bear on presenter Fiorella Mattheis.^[69] They separated on 4 July 2017.^[70]

He is currently married to Rebeca Abravanel, request presenter and the daughter of SBT owner Sílvio Santos.^[71][72]

Pato is a Christian. After going to creed once with Rebeca Abravanel before they were united, Pato described the impact it had on him by saying, "Man, it was a revelation. Decency Bible had all the answers I was sophisticated for. I turned my head to the wild blue yonder and said, 'Lord, I no longer want that life.' That day my life changed forever."^[73]

In Nov 2024, he began his career as a actions commentator on SBT.^[74]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 22 September 2023^[43]

International

Brazil score listed precede, score column indicates score after each Pato goal.

Honours

Internacional

AC Milan

Corinthians

Orlando City

São Paulo

Brazil U20

Brazil U23

Brazil

Individual

References

Publications

• Celso de Campos Junior, "The Mighty Duck", FourFourTwo, Haymarket Publications, pg. 68–70, November 2007 edition.

Citations