- Name: Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Date and Place of Birth: September 2, 1989 in Pato Branco, Brazil.
- Position: Striker
- Current Club: AC Milan (Serie A)
- Previous Clubs: Internacional (2006-2007)
- International Career: 2008 to present.
Pato or ‘The Duck’ is known for his quick pace, skilful dribbling and powerful shots. He is regarded as one of the finest young talent in the world.
Overcoming a health crisis when he was 11, Pato joined Internacional at the age of 17. he scored a goal and helped to set up three more in his debut game for the club against Palmeiras. Very soon he was being compared with the Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
Pato was included in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup held in Japan and he scored the first goal for Internacional in the tournament against African Club champions Al-Ahly. His club ultimately one the FIFA championship.
Ac Milan signed him up in 2007, but could not play immediately as only those who are 18 or above could participate in senior level tournament. He scored for Milan on his debut against Dynamo Kiev in a friendly. He again scored in his debut Serie A match against Napoli which Milan won 5-2. Pato finished 2007-08 season with 9 goals in 20 appearances. He was the top scorer for Milan in 2008-09 with 18 goald.
Pato commenced the 2009-10 season with a bang netting a brace against Seina. In October 2009, he scored two second half goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
His splendid performance resulted in his grabbing the 2009 Serie A Young Footballer of the Year award.
Pato’s first appearance for Brazil was in the 2007 South American Youth Championship. Keeping up his tradition of scoring in debut games, Pato moved the nets of Sweden in 2008, in his first appearance for the senior team. He thus also broke Pele’s record by becoming the youngest scorer in a FIFA game. He was only 17 years and 102 days old.
Pato is married to the Brazilian actress Sthefany Brito.
Unfortunately Pato will not be featuing in this year's World Cup as he was left out of coach Carlos Dunga's 23 squad chosen. The Milan striker said :
"The World Cup? Yes, I had believed in it until the end... It's a shame, but I am still young," Pato told Il Corriere dello Sport.
"I will work hard so that I can be ready for the Brazil World Cup in 2014."
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