Inter-Milan, Italian Cup. Interview with Pato: “Tifo Leao, Giroud scores”

Ale knows how to do it. Alexandre Pato, former predestined of football, actually had to go through remarkable ups and downs. One of the peaks was the derby on 3 April 2011, fundamental for the victory of the AC Milan championship signed by Allegri, the last, for now, in the history of the Rossoneri. In that season Pato scored 14 league goals, like Ibrahimovic and Robinho. Today he is in his thirties, plays in the MLS but dreams of a return and cheers for Rafael Leao. “We talk every now and then. He has talent and this Milan knows how to have patience with young players. Maldini is a guarantee and he knows what the players need.”

Was it different with her?
“I was lucky because I played in a Milan of champions. This has yet to go up, but it has a future because the managers are building well. It is a young team and for those with little experience it is difficult to get into a great team.”

This Milan, however, as you say yourself, is different from the one she found.
“But it’s always Milan. In a high-level club they ask you for results immediately and if you don’t get them they question you. And isolating yourself is difficult: you can say what you want, but 99% of that cannot be ignored. they say and write about you. Over time, I realized how hard it was to stay at Milan. A club that gave me my best, but injuries complicated my entire path. “

Ancelotti had predicted a Golden Ball for her in a short time …

“When you are very young and you get off to a good start, they give you compliments, but being able to keep your feet on the ground is essential”.

What would you change about your path?
“I would ask my parents to stay with me in Milan. I repeat, Milan gave me everything they could, I have a great love for the club, but in the difficult period I was alone. I arrived very young, my parents were with me for a bit and then they went back to Brazil. Had they always been with me I would have had more support. “

What memories do you have of that 2011 derby, fundamental for the Scudetto?
“At the time I didn’t understand the importance, I just wanted to go home and feel comfortable. Now it would be different. The derby gives inexplicable sensations and a lot of pride.”

In your opinion, what does the Milan derby represent?
“It is the heart of the city, which has culture, fashion, everything. Yet with the derby the city stops”.

Would you return to Milan?
“Orlando is fine and I still have a contract, but Maldini knows it: I would be ready. Now I have matured, I have a different attitude towards football and maybe I would be useful in the relationship with the younger players.”

The club is changing ownership: difficult days even for a player?
“It depends on age and how well he understands the situation, but you always have to ask yourself questions. If the club buyers have the investment mentality, as Berlusconi did, everything will be fine. Let’s see how these new owners will behave when they arrive. a management that has worked well, Maldini is a guarantee. I hope they take this into account “.

What do you miss from Milan?
“I miss Italy and the Italians, the warmth of the fans. I always say to my wife, ‘one day I’ll take you to Milan and you’ll understand what I’m talking about’. For me it was a fundamental city: I learned many things and I everything about Milan is missing. And I’d like to go back to Milan, after all in Italy there are many players with a good age. “

Speaking of age, should Ibrahimovic continue?
“It is essential because he has fire inside. He motivates his teammates and everyone is afraid of him, only Onyewu in that Milan had challenged him.” Laugh. “But the answers must now be given to him by his body.”

Who wins the derby?
“Difficult match. AC Milan cannot slip, for the Scudetto is just a short distance away and AC Milan can win it. Beating the opponents in the Italian Cup would give more energy.”

Who scores?
“Giroud is strong, Leao has to find the right bet. Let’s leave the prediction open, because it’s always like this with Inter.”