Former Milan striker Alexandre Pato recently attended the Gazzetta dello Sport festival in Trento, where he reflected on his time at the club, Carlo Ancelotti's mentorship, and his career-long battle with injuries. He also revealed that he would even consider coming out of retirement if Milan needed him.

Pato played for Milan from 2007 to 2013. Speaking about his decision to join the club, he said: "I had different offers at the time, but I just wanted to go to Milan. They had just won the Champions League, and there were many Brazilian players on the team, including Ronaldo. It was also the team I used when playing PlayStation—I would choose Milan and win all the league titles. It was truly wonderful to play for Milan during that period."

Pato said he was just a teenager when he arrived at Milan at 18, and the Brazilian players on the team helped him greatly: "I often stayed with Cafu's family, and there were also Kaká and Ronaldo at the time."

Speaking about Carlo Ancelotti, then Milan's coach, Pato said: "He was always very close to me, and we still keep in touch. He helped me tremendously. One of the best things that happened in my life was him taking my hand and introducing me to all the players. The players were sitting, but they all stood up and shook my hand. This shows how much everyone respected Ancelotti. He will always be in my heart."

"I saw him at the World Cup this summer, and I hope he can lead Brazil to great results in the next four years."

Regarding the current Milan team, Pato said: "I always follow them, and I'm optimistic that Milan can return to the top level. I've spoken with Cardinale, and I can feel his belief and commitment. It's not easy, because the fans expect the team to win immediately. Things are not that simple, but I believe Cardinale will find a way to make Milan champions again."

Pato also stated that he would be willing to end his retirement since 2023 if Milan called: "If Milan called me to come back and play for six months, I would do it."

Recalling the Milan dressing room of those years, Pato said: "There were many champion players. Cafu was always in the gym, and I learned from him how to take care of my body. Maldini was also my role model. Beckham was an excellent role model too, including his life after retirement. I always hoped to become someone like him after my career ended."

Pato also shared a funny anecdote about Beckham: "One time we were in the dressing room, and after he showered, he left. I went to his locker to see what perfume he used. The next day, I went and bought the same perfume."

As for Gattuso, Pato recalled: "Once I jokingly touched Gattuso's hair. A while later, I was sitting there, and he came over, grabbed my hair, lifted me up, and said, 'You need to learn to show respect.'"

Pato also talked about his childhood experiences. He revealed: "When I was a child, I had a bone tumor. My family didn't have the money for surgery, and if I didn't get it within a month, I might lose my arm. My father showed videos of me playing football to a doctor named Roberto Musi and explained our situation. In the end, he performed the surgery for free."

Pato said that as a child, he once passed an apartment building with his parents and promised them: "When I become a professional player, I will buy you an apartment." He fulfilled this promise after signing his first professional contract at 16.

Speaking about his parents' sacrifices, Pato said: "My parents sacrificed a lot for me to pursue my dream of becoming a footballer. Now I truly realize it. I've only been away from home for five days, and I already miss my son terribly. My life journey has been long and difficult. I thank my parents; they gave me the strength to become the person I am today. I will do everything I can to repay them because they gave me everything."

"Leaving home as a child was really hard. I was in the dressing room with older players, and they made me wash their shoes, wash their underwear, and get food. I cried. But I had to become tough in life. The experience of living and playing in many different countries also made me stronger."

Throughout his career, injuries were one of the biggest challenges Pato faced. He said: "Injuries brought me many difficult times. Some people said I could never play again, and I started to doubt myself. It's very important to talk to others, to share your true condition, and to express what you're feeling."

Today, Pato has also developed a keen interest in tennis. He revealed: "The other day I was with Sinner, and we talked about how I play tennis and my racket swing, and he told me, 'You can't play at all.'"

Pato smiled and said: "I hope to become a professional tennis player and compete all over the world."

He also shared a funny anecdote about Federer: "Someone once gave me a racket signed by Federer. One day I had a match, and I took that racket to use, forgetting it had his signature on it. After the match, the signature was gone. I hope to see him again someday and have him sign it again."

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