Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato spoke to Sportitalia journalist Francesco Letizia on the sidelines of an event organised by the Milan Foundation in New York.
Football has given you everything...
"That’s true. Being here with Milan is amazing, especially because the club invites me and gives me this very important role. Then coming here today, spending time with the children at the Harlem Academy and playing with them is truly wonderful. I’m really happy. Football has given me everything I have, including my family, so I told them what it means to play football."
Yesterday you spoke at the United Nations:
"It was wonderful. Standing in front of all those children who dream of becoming someone important for the world. I also told them that it’s not an easy role, you have to know when to fall and how to get back up, and always keep chasing your dreams. It was beautiful."
What memories do you have of your early days at Milan? Pato replied:
"Milan gave me what I wanted as a child. I played at Internacional, which has my heart, they took me in at 11 years old and gave me what my mum and dad couldn’t at the time. I used to sleep there, they gave me food. They helped me so much. But Milan also helped me be discovered by the world. I won in Brazil, but coming to Milan and playing with legends like Ronaldo, Kaká, and Maldini was truly special. It will always stay in my heart. I experienced many moments there, including some sad ones, but everything I am today is the result of what I lived there. I’m very grateful to Milan."
Your best memory with Milan
"Individual goals are nice, but the best thing was when we won the Scudetto. We went to the Duomo and it was packed with people. There are many memories, but winning the league title is the best of all."
What was it like facing a legend like Paolo Maldini?
"For me, he’s a man who gave me a lot in terms of understanding responsibility on the pitch. I saw him continuing to train even after training sessions. He was someone you looked at and thought, ‘That’s a person to follow.’ Two or three weeks ago, my wife and I saw him on a billboard in Milan and I said, ‘Now he’s a model’ (laughs). He’s brilliant, I have great respect for him."
Your memories of Gattuso and Ibrahimović as teammates:
"I respect him a lot, he’s a great person. Allegri is excellent, tough, a winner. I sent Rino a message after Italy’s win the other night. He deserves to qualify for the World Cup, I really hope he manages it. It’s not easy, I know, but I’m really supporting him and Italy. But Brazil will win this World Cup (laughs)."
Will the next Brazilian at Milan be Pato’s son?
"Let’s hope Milan signs him. I’ll train him well, it won’t be easy for Milan."
