Milan went on to capture their seventh Champions League title in 2007. The Rossoneri were the world's best club at the time trailing only Real Madrid for the most CL titles in all of European football with 9. The move to follow up a new trophy would bring ultimate excitement along with the usual high expectations of Milan and the passionate Milanisti, the arrival of 17 year old Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato from Internacional. Known as "Duck" to many, Pato made the move to San Siro in the summer of 2007, providing Milan fans everywhere with excitement knowing that they may have a potential superstar in the making on their hands, one that could further expand the success of "The World's Most Successful Club" for years to come.
Alexandre Pato would score his very first Serie A goal with Milan v Napoli, a goal that welcomed the teenager to the club with open arms. In his very first season with the club, Pato notched an impressive 9 goals in 20 appearances. Exactly one year later, Pato would eventually be the club's leading goalscorer with 18 goals, capping off an impressive sophomore campaign with the Rossoneri.
In an injury plagued 2009-2010 season, Pato scored two second half goals in a CL win v Real Madrid at the famous Bernabeu. Due to reoccurring injuries, Pato would miss a Champions League draw v Manchester United which ultimately ended Milan's run at title number 8. The 2010-2011 season marked the arrival of several new faces that would ultimately lead to a Scudetto title. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho would join Pato in the attempt to capture glory in Italy. The most memorable performance for Pato in the injury-ridden campaign would come in the Derby della Madonnina win v Inter where he would score two goals for Milan. At this time, Rossoneri fans felt Pato was back in form and that he will solidify himself as Milan's superstar spark plug.
In a group-stage match of the Champions League the following season, Pato would score the fifth fastest goal in tournament history, 24 seconds after the game kicked off. Despite an impressive showing v the world's top club, Pato acquired the injury bug once again, suffering yet another thigh injury that sidelined him for several weeks. As the January transfer period arrived, the youngster's future with the club was in doubt. Milan were heavily exploring bringing in want away Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez. To fund this move, Galliani and the Ligue 1 club PSG discussed a possible transfer of Alexandre Pato. Rumors continued throughout the month that Pato could be headed to Paris but ultimately, the Brazilian rejected the move, pledging his loyalty and dedication to Milan. It appeared that a can't-miss player like Pato might not remain at the club for the rest of his career.
Just weeks into training for the upcoming 2012-2013 season, Pato's injury woes continued when he sustained a thigh injury that sidelined him for the first six weeks of the season. At this point, many passionate Milan fans like myself questioned whether Pato would ever reach his ultimate potential. Fall of 2012 would mark the end of Alexandre Pato's goalscoring with Milan as he netted a goal v Anderlecht in a November Champions League win.
One year after a near move to PSG, Alexandre Pato's stint with Milan came to a disappointing, yet sad conclusion as he was sold to Brazilian side Corinthians for 15 million euros. The big question on the minds of Milanisti wasnt "How are Pato and Barbara going to make this long-distance relationship work?" but "Will he ever stay healthy and fulfill his superstar, world class potential?"
Alexandre Pato's move abroad would eventually fund the arrival of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City, providing Milan fans with the chance to bid farewell to one star talent and welcome the arrival of another. Pato, despite his injuries with Milan, netted over 50 goals in 100+ appearances.
Alexandre Pato was beloved by Curva Sud and Milanisti worldwide. The skill he showcased while at Milan was truly something special. We all loved his heart, passion, skill and his ex-girlfriend. We stood by him as injuries plagued his existence at Milan but ultimately, the fairytale story didn't end the way anyone imagined. With a career full of ultimate highs and disappointing lows, many fans like myself remain questioning just what went wrong and what could have been done to help Pato grow as a footballer. Did MilanLab handle his injuries correctly? Did he claim to be healthy to prove his worth even though he might not have been 100% match fit? Was Max Allegri, like other cases, to blame for forcing his rehabilitation from several leg injuries? We may never have a definitive answer for any of those questions surrounding Pato. We do wish him the best and hope he stays healthy with Corinthians and perhaps one day, returns to the club that loved him dearly, Milan. - MS
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