Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato recently attended the Gazzetta dello Sport Sports Festival in Trento, where he reflected on his time at AC Milan, working under Ancelotti, and his struggles with injuries throughout his career. He also stated that he would even be willing to come out of retirement to play if AC Milan needed him.

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

Pato said that when he first arrived at AC Milan at age 18, he was just a young man, and the Brazilian players in the squad helped him a lot: "I often spent time with Cafu's family, and Kaka and Ronaldo were also there."

Speaking about Ancelotti, who was AC Milan's coach at the time, Pato said: "He was always very close to me, and we still keep in touch. He helped me a lot. One of the best things that happened in my life was when he took my hand and introduced me to all the players. Everyone was sitting, but they all stood up to shake my hand. This showed 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 bring Brazil good results in the next four years."

Regarding current AC Milan, Pato said: "I always follow them, and I'm optimistic that AC Milan can return to a high level. I've spoken with Cardinale, and I can feel his confidence and commitment. It's not easy because fans want the team to win immediately. It's not that simple, but I'm confident Cardinale will find a way to make AC Milan win again."

Pato also stated that if AC Milan called, he would be willing to end his retirement from official matches since 2023: "If AC Milan called me to come back and play for six months, I would start playing again."

Recalling the AC Milan dressing room during those years, Pato said: "There were many champions there. Cafu was always in the gym, and I learned from him how to take care of my body. Maldini was also a role model for me. Beckham was also an excellent role model, including his life after retirement. I always hoped to be like him after my career ended."

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

As for Gattuso, Pato recalled: "One time I jokingly touched Gattuso's hair. A moment later, I was sitting there, and he came over, pulled my hair, lifted me up, and said, 'You need to learn to respect people'."

Pato also spoke about his childhood experiences. He revealed: "When I was young, I suffered from a bone tumor. My family didn't have money for surgery, and if I wasn't operated on within a month, I might have lost one arm. My father showed a video of me playing football to a doctor named Roberto Mussi and explained our situation. In the end, he performed the surgery for free."

Pato said that when he was young, 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 that promise after signing his first professional contract at age 16.

Speaking about his parents' sacrifice, Pato said: "My parents sacrificed a lot so I could pursue my football dream. I'm only truly realizing it now. I've only been away from home for five days, and I already miss my son so much. My life experience has been long and not easy. I'm grateful to my parents; they gave me the strength to be who I am today. I will do everything I can to repay them because they gave me everything."

"Leaving home when I was young was really difficult. I was in the dressing room with older players, and they told me to wash their shoes, wash their underwear, and fetch food for them. I cried. But I had to be strong in life. The life experience and playing in many different countries also made me stronger."

Throughout his career, injuries were one of the greatest challenges Pato faced. He said: "Injuries brought me through many difficult times. Some people outside said I would never play again, and I started to doubt my own body. It's very important to talk to others, to tell people your real condition, and to express what's inside you."

Currently, Pato has also developed a strong interest in tennis. He revealed: "Some time ago I was with Sinner, and we talked about how I play tennis and swing a racket, and he said, 'You don't know how to hit anything'."

Pato smiled and said: "I want to become a professional tennis player and compete around 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 brought that racket to use it, forgetting that his signature was still on it. After the match, the signature was gone. I hope to meet him again someday and ask him to sign it again for me."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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