Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (born September 2, 1989, in Pato Branco, Paraná), better known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian striker currently playing for Italian club AC Milan.
In 2000, when Alexandre was 10 years old, x-rays from a broken bone revealed that he had a tumor in his arm. The doctors realized that the tumor would become cancerous in two months if not removed. Alexandre’s family could not afford the surgery to remove the tumor, but the doctor, Paulo Roberto Mussi, was a family friend, and operated for free. This event was particularly significant because it occurred in a very crucial year when Alexandre was working towards a professional career with Internacional.
He adopted the nickname Alexandre Pato (“Alex the Duck”), after the city where he was born.
Incumbent European champions A.C. Milan officially confirmed the signing of Pato on August 2, 2007.[5] The transfer fee paid amounts to the minimum fee clause in Pato’s contract with SC Internacional for €22 million.
Due to Italian football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until January 3, 2008, when the Italian transfer window and registration reopened.However, AC Milan was allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning September 3, 2007, one day after his 18th birthday. Pato made his non-competitive debut in a 2-2 draw against Dynamo Kyiv on September 7, 2007 and scored a header. As of January 4, 2008, Pato’s transfer to Milan became official.
Pato scored his first Milan goal in his Serie A debut against S.S.C. Napoli in a 5-2 home victory on January 13, 2008.
Full name: Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva
Date of birth: September 02, 1989
Birthplace: Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
EU passport: No
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 71 kg
Club: Milan
Position: Striker [C]
Number: 7
Previous clubs: Internacional > (€14.5m) Milan
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