AC Milan have dismissed a newspaper report suggesting that Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.
The 19-year-old rising star has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since former Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti was confirmed as the new Blues manager earlier in the summer.
One newspaper report claimed that Ancelotti had agreed a £45m fee with his former club but would allow the teenager to spend the next season on loan in Italy ahead of moving to England in 12 months' time.
However, Milan claim the story is completely without foundation and have reiterated their previous claim that Pato is not for sale at any price.
"With regards to the rumours circulated this morning by the English press, AC Milan clarify and reaffirm that there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea regarding Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely non transferable," read a club statement.
Pato scored 15 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season and is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football.
Meanwhile, striker Luis Fabiano insists he is fully focused on Sevilla despite seeing his dream move to AC Milan fall through.
The Brazil international was expected to join the Italian giants last month before Milan decided to pull the plug on the deal when they were unable to agree a fee with their Spanish counterparts.
The Rossoneri then turned their attention to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and swiftly wrapped up the signing of the Netherlands striker from Real Madrid.
"I'm not thinking about Milan," claimed Fabiano. "They made an offer, but I was always calm and thinking about Sevilla.
"I have been training for several weeks and I'm not yet at 100 per cent so that's what I'm concentrating on now, continuing working with Sevilla to start the season well.
"Everything's forgotten, I'm only thinking about Sevilla."
Elsewhere, Lazio beat Internazionale 2-1 in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana in Beijing's National Stadium on Saturday night, but despite the defeat coach Jose Mourinho was happy with his side's efforts.
Brazilian Francelino Matuzalem opened the scoring for Lazio before Tommaso Rocchi scored with a spectacular lob.
New signing Samuel Eto'o reduced the deficit with his first goal for the Nerazzuri with 12 minutes to go.
"We lost. What can I say?" said Mourinho. "I am not happy, but I liked it that my players showed character and fought until the end to win.
"I am very satisfied with the match, although not with the result, we should have won by two goals at least."
On the contrary, Lazio president Claudio Lotito was buoyed by his team's success.
He said: "I'm very satisfied with my team's performance.
"I consider it a victory of the group, not just the team."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ac-milan-deny-pato-offer-from-chelsea-1770110.html
Showing posts with label AC Milan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AC Milan. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pato is being picked on
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has demanded that referees give more protection to star teenage striker Pato.
Milan have been complaining in recent weeks that Pato is being targetted by defenders and Galliani is worried for the Brazilian.
"He is being scientifically targetted the moment he steps on the pitch with the hope that, given that he is young, he will become a peripheral figure, something that happens on occasions," complained Galliani.
"Defenders have always kicked forwards but the treatment dealt out to Pato is a little excessive.
"But it's up to the referees to see if things are legal or not. Referees shouldn't protect anyone but they have to put the brakes on violent play and I hope they'll do so in the next match."
Milan, who host lowly Torino on Sunday, sit third in Serie A, just two points behind second-placed Juventus and four ahead of Genoa in fourth.
With leaders Inter Milan 12 points ahead of them, Milan's aim is merely to finish in the top three and ensure they qualify directly for the group stages of next season's Champions League.
Even so, the feeling in the San Siro is that second place is a real possibility.
"I don't like to make predictions, Juve have two points more than us but behind us there are Genoa, who are playing really well, and of course Fiorentina, we'll see what happens but it will be difficult (to claim second place)," added Galliani.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gmj4qXJ-CsoOjr77k5Sp81ggvLxA
Milan have been complaining in recent weeks that Pato is being targetted by defenders and Galliani is worried for the Brazilian.
"He is being scientifically targetted the moment he steps on the pitch with the hope that, given that he is young, he will become a peripheral figure, something that happens on occasions," complained Galliani.
"Defenders have always kicked forwards but the treatment dealt out to Pato is a little excessive.
"But it's up to the referees to see if things are legal or not. Referees shouldn't protect anyone but they have to put the brakes on violent play and I hope they'll do so in the next match."
Milan, who host lowly Torino on Sunday, sit third in Serie A, just two points behind second-placed Juventus and four ahead of Genoa in fourth.
With leaders Inter Milan 12 points ahead of them, Milan's aim is merely to finish in the top three and ensure they qualify directly for the group stages of next season's Champions League.
Even so, the feeling in the San Siro is that second place is a real possibility.
"I don't like to make predictions, Juve have two points more than us but behind us there are Genoa, who are playing really well, and of course Fiorentina, we'll see what happens but it will be difficult (to claim second place)," added Galliani.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gmj4qXJ-CsoOjr77k5Sp81ggvLxA
Monday, April 13, 2009
Soccer-Kaka denies talks with Real
AC Milan's Kaka has denied holding talks with Real Madrid and said he wants to stay with the Serie A club.
Spanish media said prospective Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had agreed with Milan to sign Kaka in the off-season, having failed to attain the Brazilian when he was in charge at the Bernabeu.
"I think in recent days too many people have talked, now I'll speak," Kaka told Thursday's Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I have not had contact with Real, no one has tried to contact me and I think I have already made myself clear ... my wish is to stay at Milan."
Asked whether that would mean he would stay at the San Siro for life, Kaka said: "For the fifth time, it seems so to me."
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who almost sold Kaka to Manchester City in January for a record fee, earlier said the former world player of the year was not for sale.
Kaka, who has been troubled by a foot injury in recent weeks, also said he would be happy to play under Massimiliano Allegri, amid media speculation the Cagliari boss may replace current coach Carlo Ancelotti.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKL99195720090409
Spanish media said prospective Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had agreed with Milan to sign Kaka in the off-season, having failed to attain the Brazilian when he was in charge at the Bernabeu.
"I think in recent days too many people have talked, now I'll speak," Kaka told Thursday's Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I have not had contact with Real, no one has tried to contact me and I think I have already made myself clear ... my wish is to stay at Milan."
Asked whether that would mean he would stay at the San Siro for life, Kaka said: "For the fifth time, it seems so to me."
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who almost sold Kaka to Manchester City in January for a record fee, earlier said the former world player of the year was not for sale.
Kaka, who has been troubled by a foot injury in recent weeks, also said he would be happy to play under Massimiliano Allegri, amid media speculation the Cagliari boss may replace current coach Carlo Ancelotti.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKL99195720090409
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Pato: I Nearly Lost A Limb To Cancer
The Brazilian starlet has revealed that he narrowly avoided amputation at a young age.
Milan young gun Alexandre Pato has been a revelation since making his debut for the club in January 2008, when he scored in the Rossoneri’s convincing 5-2 triumph over Napoli at the San Siro stadium.
Since then he has gone on to make a name for himself as one of the world’s top talents, with a number of dazzling displays for both his club and country.
However, during a recent television program broadcast in Brazil, Pato sensationally confessed that his life may not have been as it is today had it not been for the doctors who identified that he had cancer at a young age.
“At the age of 11, before joining Internacional, I had broken my left arm twice in the same place, and required some examinations to determine the extent of the injury,” Pato affirmed in the program ‘Esporte Espetacular’.
“The investigations however had identified a tumour in the arm, and immediately it was feared that I would need to have my arm amputated.
“Thankfully I managed to have surgery to have it removed, and it was a success.”
At the age of just 19, the Brazilian has already proven his potential for the future, and that he has all the credentials at this stage to become one of the game's greats.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/31/1183719/milans-pato-admits-he-risked-amputation-as-a-child
Milan young gun Alexandre Pato has been a revelation since making his debut for the club in January 2008, when he scored in the Rossoneri’s convincing 5-2 triumph over Napoli at the San Siro stadium.
Since then he has gone on to make a name for himself as one of the world’s top talents, with a number of dazzling displays for both his club and country.
However, during a recent television program broadcast in Brazil, Pato sensationally confessed that his life may not have been as it is today had it not been for the doctors who identified that he had cancer at a young age.
“At the age of 11, before joining Internacional, I had broken my left arm twice in the same place, and required some examinations to determine the extent of the injury,” Pato affirmed in the program ‘Esporte Espetacular’.
“The investigations however had identified a tumour in the arm, and immediately it was feared that I would need to have my arm amputated.
“Thankfully I managed to have surgery to have it removed, and it was a success.”
At the age of just 19, the Brazilian has already proven his potential for the future, and that he has all the credentials at this stage to become one of the game's greats.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/31/1183719/milans-pato-admits-he-risked-amputation-as-a-child
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pato: Defenders out to get me
AC Milan favourite Alexandre Pato has admitted that he is a marked man in the tough and physical world of Serie A.
The Samba starlet is enjoying a stellar season for the Rossoneri having already bagged 15 goals for Carlo Ancelotti's men.
But despite his heroics, Milan are struggling to stay with league leaders and bitter rivals Inter and have already been knocked out of this season's UEFA Cup competition.
Pato was on target during Milan's 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria last weekend, a game that, once again, saw the 19-year-old receive more than his fair share of tough tackles.
"Defenders have become harder on me," Pato explained to Milan's official television channel.
"They have decided not to let me run, but often, they don't get the ball, they get me!"
With the pressure on Milan to improve, Pato is determined to keep on scoring, a task he believes is made easier thanks to the class that exists within the Milanese club's ranks.
"It's easy to score at Milan, with so many good players who know where to put the ball so I can score," he said.
"I am also learning tricks from [Andriy] Shevchenko and [Pippo] Inzaghi.
"David Beckham is also a great guy, and not just on the pitch. He has helped me a lot, and when we play together, I know, if I ask him for a pass, he knows where I want the ball."
http://www.espnstar.com/football/serie-a/news/detail/item217213/Pato:-Defenders-out-to-get-me/
The Samba starlet is enjoying a stellar season for the Rossoneri having already bagged 15 goals for Carlo Ancelotti's men.
But despite his heroics, Milan are struggling to stay with league leaders and bitter rivals Inter and have already been knocked out of this season's UEFA Cup competition.
Pato was on target during Milan's 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria last weekend, a game that, once again, saw the 19-year-old receive more than his fair share of tough tackles.
"Defenders have become harder on me," Pato explained to Milan's official television channel.
"They have decided not to let me run, but often, they don't get the ball, they get me!"
With the pressure on Milan to improve, Pato is determined to keep on scoring, a task he believes is made easier thanks to the class that exists within the Milanese club's ranks.
"It's easy to score at Milan, with so many good players who know where to put the ball so I can score," he said.
"I am also learning tricks from [Andriy] Shevchenko and [Pippo] Inzaghi.
"David Beckham is also a great guy, and not just on the pitch. He has helped me a lot, and when we play together, I know, if I ask him for a pass, he knows where I want the ball."
http://www.espnstar.com/football/serie-a/news/detail/item217213/Pato:-Defenders-out-to-get-me/
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Kaka shrugs off Bologna boos to inspire AC Milan to victory
Kaka shook off barracking from Bologna fans to produce a superb goal scoring performance in AC Milan's victory last night.
Gazzetta dello Sport says Kaka was subjected to abusive chants from home supporters, a rare occurrence in Italy.
"It was all very beautiful," insisted Kaka at the final whistle. "I'm happy because Milan are still chasing Inter and Juve, and even for my two goals. In 2009 we are demonstrating consistency."
On his blossoming partnership with Alexandre Pato, Kaka added: "We are improving. With Pato, it is going very well and the second goal, really was very beautiful, it was created from an exchange between us."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/kaka-shrugs-bologna-boos-inspire-ac-milan-victory-224376
Gazzetta dello Sport says Kaka was subjected to abusive chants from home supporters, a rare occurrence in Italy.
"It was all very beautiful," insisted Kaka at the final whistle. "I'm happy because Milan are still chasing Inter and Juve, and even for my two goals. In 2009 we are demonstrating consistency."
On his blossoming partnership with Alexandre Pato, Kaka added: "We are improving. With Pato, it is going very well and the second goal, really was very beautiful, it was created from an exchange between us."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/kaka-shrugs-bologna-boos-inspire-ac-milan-victory-224376
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Alexandre Pato a Serie A Sensation This Season
Alexandre Pato has become one of Serie A’s most prominent players during the last calendar year. The young Brazilian has just completed his first year at AC Milan and with his lightning speed, unique technical skills, great finishing, and outstanding reading of the game; the forward has done nothing to diminish his €22 million price tag.
Alexandre Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, received his shirt name due to his hometown being Pato Branco—which in both Spanish and Portuguese means “duck.”
Pato started playing futsal at the early age of four and become known in the Parana region due to his unique skills. At the age of seven the young talent switched to football and went off to play for Gremiô Industrial Pato Branquese—a sister club to Gremiô.
However, things haven’t always been easy for "The Duck." In 2000, young Pato at a mere 10 years of age was brought to the doctors with a broken arm. The doctor found something else too—a tumor that would have been cancerous had it not been removed within two months.
It was lucky for both Pato and his family that the doctor was a family friend, as they could not afford the costly operation. The operation was performed for free and it took several years for the prospering talent to fully recover and rehabilitate the arm.
When Pato turned 11 he along with his family decided to put all eggs in one basket by trying out for Internacional—with 83 other boys all fighting for the same spot. He beat all of his competitors—leaving the club with the knowledge that they had stumbled across something amazing.
In 2005, Pato helped Internacional to win the Brazilian U-20 Championship after bagging a brace against Gremiô in the return fixture of the final. That year Internacional also won the Copa Libertadores, which generated a place in the FIFA Club World Cup where the Brazilians surprisingly came to beat Barcelona in the final.
* B/R Ticket Guide
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The Brazilian didn’t manage to shine in the final due to the fact that the forward was playing with injury, but that didn’t stop him from running circles around defense stalwart Carles Puyol before he was substituted for team mate Adriano Gabiru who eventually scored the winner.
Pato was deliberately kept in the youth team to keep prying eyes from discovering that blossoming talent and the management was forbidden to talk about their prized asset to the media. It wasn’t until the forward Rafael Sobis left Internacional that Pato at age 17 signed a contract and took the step up to the senior team.
It was from then that the youngster started the fine habit of scoring in his debuts. He presented himself to the club’s supporters by scoring a header in his debut against Palmeiras in the 4-1 win in November 2006. The buzz surrounding the player was unbelievable as he was tipped to becoming one of the world’s most complete players in the coming years.
During the following year Pato helped the Brazil youth team to a South American Youth Championship title in Paraguy—which also meant automatic qualification to both FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On Aug. 2 2007, AC Milan paid €22 million for Pato as the club confirmed their latest signing—but with regards to the Italian Football Regulations regarding underage non-European players—he was unable to play official games for his new club until Jan. 3, 2008 when the transfer window would reopened.
On Sept. 4, 2007—the day after his birthday, Pato made his unofficial debut for Milan in a friendly against Dynamo Kiev where he scored a header in the 2-2 draw and gave the Diavolo supporters something to look forward to.
The official debut in the Milan shirt took place on Jan. 13, 2008 and the hype surrounding the player did nothing to stress the forward who loyal to his habit scored in his first official game in the 5-2 win over Napoli.
Approximately two months after his Milan debut the young Brazilian once again scored in a debut. Pato came off the bench and scored the winner with a sublime strike in 72th minute in his first appearance for the Selecão where Brazil hosted Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in celebration of the 1958 World Cup Final between the two nations.
Most people probably remember a certain Pelé attracting global recognition with his inspiring performance during that specific final about 50 years ago.
Pato rounded up his first six months at Milan with 18 appearances and nine goals and quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro.
During the following summer Pato made three appearances and scored one goal as a part of the Brazil team that won bronze medals in the Beijing Olympics.
The Brazilian has started the 2008-09 in great fashion and already has eight goals to his name. The youngster has scored doubles against both Udinese and Roma this season and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team’s offense.
He has earned the praise of teammates and coaches alike, and keeping his head cool and staying humble with the amount of attention he is receiving simply showcases maturity despite his young age.
The forward has already blossomed into a world-class player and if he continues on the same path, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will one day soon become the best footballer in the world.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110923-alexandre-pato-a-serie-a-sensation-this-season/show_full
Alexandre Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, received his shirt name due to his hometown being Pato Branco—which in both Spanish and Portuguese means “duck.”
Pato started playing futsal at the early age of four and become known in the Parana region due to his unique skills. At the age of seven the young talent switched to football and went off to play for Gremiô Industrial Pato Branquese—a sister club to Gremiô.
However, things haven’t always been easy for "The Duck." In 2000, young Pato at a mere 10 years of age was brought to the doctors with a broken arm. The doctor found something else too—a tumor that would have been cancerous had it not been removed within two months.
It was lucky for both Pato and his family that the doctor was a family friend, as they could not afford the costly operation. The operation was performed for free and it took several years for the prospering talent to fully recover and rehabilitate the arm.
When Pato turned 11 he along with his family decided to put all eggs in one basket by trying out for Internacional—with 83 other boys all fighting for the same spot. He beat all of his competitors—leaving the club with the knowledge that they had stumbled across something amazing.
In 2005, Pato helped Internacional to win the Brazilian U-20 Championship after bagging a brace against Gremiô in the return fixture of the final. That year Internacional also won the Copa Libertadores, which generated a place in the FIFA Club World Cup where the Brazilians surprisingly came to beat Barcelona in the final.
* B/R Ticket Guide
Powered by FanSnap.com
The Brazilian didn’t manage to shine in the final due to the fact that the forward was playing with injury, but that didn’t stop him from running circles around defense stalwart Carles Puyol before he was substituted for team mate Adriano Gabiru who eventually scored the winner.
Pato was deliberately kept in the youth team to keep prying eyes from discovering that blossoming talent and the management was forbidden to talk about their prized asset to the media. It wasn’t until the forward Rafael Sobis left Internacional that Pato at age 17 signed a contract and took the step up to the senior team.
It was from then that the youngster started the fine habit of scoring in his debuts. He presented himself to the club’s supporters by scoring a header in his debut against Palmeiras in the 4-1 win in November 2006. The buzz surrounding the player was unbelievable as he was tipped to becoming one of the world’s most complete players in the coming years.
During the following year Pato helped the Brazil youth team to a South American Youth Championship title in Paraguy—which also meant automatic qualification to both FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On Aug. 2 2007, AC Milan paid €22 million for Pato as the club confirmed their latest signing—but with regards to the Italian Football Regulations regarding underage non-European players—he was unable to play official games for his new club until Jan. 3, 2008 when the transfer window would reopened.
On Sept. 4, 2007—the day after his birthday, Pato made his unofficial debut for Milan in a friendly against Dynamo Kiev where he scored a header in the 2-2 draw and gave the Diavolo supporters something to look forward to.
The official debut in the Milan shirt took place on Jan. 13, 2008 and the hype surrounding the player did nothing to stress the forward who loyal to his habit scored in his first official game in the 5-2 win over Napoli.
Approximately two months after his Milan debut the young Brazilian once again scored in a debut. Pato came off the bench and scored the winner with a sublime strike in 72th minute in his first appearance for the Selecão where Brazil hosted Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in celebration of the 1958 World Cup Final between the two nations.
Most people probably remember a certain Pelé attracting global recognition with his inspiring performance during that specific final about 50 years ago.
Pato rounded up his first six months at Milan with 18 appearances and nine goals and quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro.
During the following summer Pato made three appearances and scored one goal as a part of the Brazil team that won bronze medals in the Beijing Olympics.
The Brazilian has started the 2008-09 in great fashion and already has eight goals to his name. The youngster has scored doubles against both Udinese and Roma this season and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team’s offense.
He has earned the praise of teammates and coaches alike, and keeping his head cool and staying humble with the amount of attention he is receiving simply showcases maturity despite his young age.
The forward has already blossomed into a world-class player and if he continues on the same path, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will one day soon become the best footballer in the world.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110923-alexandre-pato-a-serie-a-sensation-this-season/show_full
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Determined Milan Desperate For Victory Against Roma – Pato
The young Brazilian is confident that his side will be at their best this weekend against Roma.
The Serie A resumes this weekend, and undoubtedly the match of the opening round of 2009 sees Milan travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi, in what is certain to be an intriguing contest.
The Rossoneri are third in the league at present, and can ill afford to drop any points in this clash, if they wish to keep up with Inter and Juventus, who are both ahead of them in the standings.
In the lead up to the big match, the club’s young Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato, has given his thoughts on the pulsating fixture.
“It will be a beautiful match between two great teams,” Pato said in an interview with Sky.
“We were happy with 2008, and we are hungry for more this year, and that starts this weekend against Roma.
“We are determined to do well and we will continue to give our all in every match we play,” he added.
The 19-year-old striker concluded the interview by making a comment on the club’s new arrival David Beckham, a player whomo he has great admiration for.
“Beckham’s arrival has been great for the club, and as I have seen him train and play, I can tell that he is very strong, not only on the field, but also off it.
“For me it is a great pleasure to train with him and with all of my team mates.
“I am happy to be here. It's great, we are strong, and I look forward to my future in Milan,” he concluded.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1708/ac-milan/2009/01/10/1053230/determined-milan-desperate-for-victory-against-roma--pato
The Serie A resumes this weekend, and undoubtedly the match of the opening round of 2009 sees Milan travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi, in what is certain to be an intriguing contest.
The Rossoneri are third in the league at present, and can ill afford to drop any points in this clash, if they wish to keep up with Inter and Juventus, who are both ahead of them in the standings.
In the lead up to the big match, the club’s young Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato, has given his thoughts on the pulsating fixture.
“It will be a beautiful match between two great teams,” Pato said in an interview with Sky.
“We were happy with 2008, and we are hungry for more this year, and that starts this weekend against Roma.
“We are determined to do well and we will continue to give our all in every match we play,” he added.
The 19-year-old striker concluded the interview by making a comment on the club’s new arrival David Beckham, a player whomo he has great admiration for.
“Beckham’s arrival has been great for the club, and as I have seen him train and play, I can tell that he is very strong, not only on the field, but also off it.
“For me it is a great pleasure to train with him and with all of my team mates.
“I am happy to be here. It's great, we are strong, and I look forward to my future in Milan,” he concluded.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1708/ac-milan/2009/01/10/1053230/determined-milan-desperate-for-victory-against-roma--pato
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pato Reflects On Debut Season
Milan striker Alexandre Pato has reflected upon his debut season for the Rossoneri.
The young Brazilian striking sensation has been a revelation at San Siro. Scoring on his debut against Napoli, he has gone on to score eight goals in 16 appearances for the club and he has analysed his first few months as a Milanista.
“I am growing up in Italian football after months of just training and watching the game from the stands,” Pato Italia Uno.
“Now I think about things differently compared to September, I saw a really difficult and competitive league but now I know that I can play well in it.
“The defenders are very intelligent in Serie A and I have to learn how they play in order to do well against them.
“I am always happy and ready to play, I just have to be patient.
“As for Pippo Inzghi, he’s a great player and he is in great form at the moment. He has to take Milan to the Champions League.
“Ronaldo? He’s always my idol, he is a good man and he has to return for us.”
Milan are on course for the Champions League this season but they need to ensure victory against Napoli and hope that Fiorentina slip up against Parma.
http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=688449
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Ronaldo in Brazil return hint
Striker Ronaldo has hinted that he might attempt to reach full fitness playing for Flamengo in Brazil before returning to AC Milan.
The 31-year-old samba star has been ruled out of action since suffering a potentially career-threatening knee injury in February. And, despite facing another seven months on the sidelines, Ronaldo is already looking at how he can resume his playing career once the problem has healed.
The three-times World Player of the Year's contract at Milan in Italy will expire at the end of the season, but he hopes to be handed an extension despite his injury absence. However, Ronaldo has revealed that he could prove his fitness with a few months playing back in his homeland for Rio de Janeiro outfit Flamengo, who he supported as a boy and intimated that he would like to finish his career there in the past.
"I have a beautiful relationship with my team (Milan), the doors will always be open for me there, but I have to be up to it," Ronaldo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The idea is to play in Brazil for a few months, maybe at Flamengo, and if everything goes well, reappear in red and black (of Milan)."
http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=336560
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Brazilian Breakout: Hugely hyped Pato has shown flashes of a big future
Alexandre Pato's dynamite debut has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a mostly disappointing season for AC Milan.
As first nights go, it could hardly have been more impressive.
Suddenly, the months of media hype around 18-year-old Brazilian Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, otherwise known as Pato, seemed justified. AC Milan's new kid on the block made a stunning Serie A debut against Napoli at San Siro on the first match day of the new year, giving an assured, mature performance that he crowned with a superb goal.
With Milan 4-2 up in the 84th minute, it appeared to be over. Not for Pato, however. Timing his run perfectly, he got on the end of a 50-meter clearance by fullback Giuseppe Favalli. Taking the ball down with one delicate touch, he outflanked both Napoli defender Maurizio Domizzi and goalkeeper GennaroIezzo to score a goal that combined all the qualities you might expect of a Brazilian superstar: touch, pace, control and sheer style.
The fans at soccer's La Scala quite rightly gave him a standing ovation. After all, the pressure had been such on this first night that no one would have been surprised if he had fallen flat on his face.
We have been hearing a lot about the teenager ever since Milan paid Brazil's Internacional $33 million for him last summer. At the time, Pato was still only 17 and, under FIFA regulations, could not be registered with a European club. But such was his promise that Milan opted to buy him anyway, putting him on ice until he turned 18 last September, when he could be put on their books. That at least meant no other club could get their hands on him.
The situation was similar to that of Pato's illustrious compatriot, Kaká, four years ago. Worried by the potentially tempting offers that might be being made to him by Chelsea and Real Madrid, Milan had brought Kaká to Italy one year ahead of schedule.
Soon the word was out about Pato. Milan has a new superstar. This lad can do everything in training. He is fast, plays off either foot and scores goals non-stop. Soon, too, the folks at the club's Milanello training complex started to speak about how things would be, later in the season, when Pato could finally play for them.
When the Brazilian returned from his Christmas break, reporters were at Malpensa airport to meet him. That day will probably be the last Pato can walk through its arrivals lounge like any other passenger.
In the meantime, the pressure on the "boy" was building as coach CarloAncelotti likened him to former Brazilian ace Careca; "old man" Paolo Maldini commented on the Brazilian's "ability, speed and personality"; and two days before Pato's debut, battling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said: "He's just an 18-year-old, but we expect a lot of him because in the four months he has been training with us at Milanello, he has shown us a lot."
This was an ominously heavy build-up, and the list of great names that have flopped on their Serie A debuts includes such luminaries as Michel Platini, Zinédine Zidane and Ronaldo.
Instead, Pato shone against Napoli. "I have never seen anyone make a start like that," said former Milan and Brazil striker José Altafini. "He was under huge pressure, yet he played with total calm. I tell you, this boy has personality."
"Pato-mania" broke out among the Milan fans, who had invented a new term for the team's Brazilian strike force: Ka-Pa-Ro -- Kaká, Pato and Ronaldo. (That lethal trio has, of course, been shelved as Ronaldo recovers from yet another injury.)
Two weeks later, Pato scored both goals in Milan's 2-0 home Serie A win over Genoa. The following weekend, he scored the only goal at Fiorentina, another brilliantly effort that again underlined his touch, pace and control. But a few minutes later, Pato injured an ankle which also cost him the chance of a senior Brazil debut against the Republic of Ireland last month.
Once again, the anticipation rose ahead of his return to action in the first leg on Milan's Champions League loss to Arsenal late last month. But the youngster has shown he can handle it -- and then some.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/world_soccer/03/17/pato/
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