Former Milan striker Alexandre Pato recently attended the Gazzetta dello Sport Sports Festival in Trento, where he spoke about his time at Milan, the mentorship of Carlo Ancelotti, and the long battle with injuries he faced throughout his career. He also stated that he would be ready to return if Milan needed him.

Pato played for Milan from 2007 to 2013. Speaking about his decision to join the club, he said: "At that time I had different offers, but I simply wanted to move to Milan. They had just won the Champions League, the team had many Brazilian players, and there was also Ronaldo. It was also a team I played with on PlayStation; I would choose Milan and win all the championships. It was truly amazing to be able to play for Milan during that period."

Pato said that when he arrived at Milan at 18 years old, he was still young, and the Brazilian players in the team helped him greatly: "I spent a lot of time with Cafu's family, and there were also Kaka and Ronaldo."

Speaking about Milan's coach at the time, Carlo Ancelotti, Pato said: "He was always very close to me, and we still keep in touch. He helped me tremendously. One of the most beautiful things I experienced in my life was when he took me by the hand and introduced me to all the players. All the players were sitting, but they all stood up to shake my hand. That shows how much everyone respected Carlo Ancelotti. He will forever remain in my heart."

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

Regarding current Milan, Pato said: "I always follow them, and I'm optimistic that Milan will be able to return to a high level. I spoke with Cardinale, and I feel his faith and commitment. It's not easy, because fans think the team should win immediately. It's not that simple, but I believe Cardinale will find a way to make Milan win again."

Pato also said that if Milan called him, he would be ready to end his break from official matches since 2023: "If Milan calls me back to play for six months, I would start playing again."

Recalling Milan's locker room from those years, Pato said: "There were many champion players back then. 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 also a very good role model, including his life after retirement. I always hoped to be like him after finishing my career."

Pato also shared an interesting anecdote about Beckham: "Once we were in the locker room, and after showering, he left. I went to his locker to see what perfume he used. The next day I went and bought the same perfume."

Regarding Gattuso, Pato recalled: "Once I jokingly touched Gattuso's hair. A while later I was sitting, and he came over, grabbed me by the hair, lifted me up, and told me: 'You need to learn respect.'"

Pato also spoke about his childhood. He said: "When I was a child, I had a bone tumor. My family didn't have money for surgery, and if I wasn't operated on within a month, I could have lost my 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 as a child, he once passed by an apartment building with his parents and promised them: "When I become a professional player, I'll buy you an apartment." He kept that promise after signing his first professional contract at age 16.

Speaking about his parents' sacrifices, Pato said: "My parents sacrificed so much so I could pursue my football dream. I'm only truly realizing it now. I've been away from home for just 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 who I am today. I will do everything I can to repay them, because they gave me everything."

"Leaving home as a child was very difficult. I was in the locker room with older players, and they made me wash their boots, do their laundry, and bring them food. I cried. But I had to become strong in life. The experience of living and playing in many different countries also made me stronger."

Injuries became one of the biggest challenges Pato faced in his career. He said: "Injuries brought me many difficult times. Some people from outside said I would never play again, and I also began to doubt my body. It's very important to talk to others, to tell people about your true condition, and to express what's inside."

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

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

He also shared an interesting 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, but I forgot it had his signature on it. After the match, the signature was gone. I hope to see him again in the future and ask him to sign it for me again."

Переведено ИИ.

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