Alexandre PATO - The New Star of Milan

Pato Hopeful Of Ronaldo Return

Milan’s Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato would love to play alongside Ronaldo next term, despite Il Fenomeno’s injury woes.

Ronaldo, 31, is currently recovering from the knee injury which he suffered against Livorno earlier this season.

Il Fenomeno’s career hangs in the balance as the injury to his right knee could still be career-threatening. And although his recovery is going well so far, his recent altercation with three transvestite prostitutes in his native Brazil has done his legendary status no good whatsoever.

However, possible legend in the making, compatriot and team-mate Pato is hoping to play alongside his childhood hero once more.

“I would like it a lot if we could play together,” Pato, 17, told GQ magazine.

“We are really good friends.

“Ronnie is going through a rough patch at the moment. The media are always hounding him.

“Nevertheless, he has such a great character that I expect he will get over his injury and image problems.

“We talk all the time, but never about football. He always asks me how I am doing. It's crazy, Ronaldo is my idol.”

The teenage sensation also shared his opinion on the Italian game and it seems as if he had to learn fast the hard way.

“I remember Cristian Ledesma repeatedly hitting me - massacring me. I was not bothered. Actually, I like playing this way. It has made me grow up,” said Pato

“In Brazil, you get the ball and are allowed 20 seconds to look up and think about what you are going to do.

“Here, instead, you have three seconds to do something before someone like Ledesma arrives.”

Pato scored nine goals in 18 games for Milan this season and in that explosive form he is sure to be one of the best in future if he continues working hard at San Siro.