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BIOGRAPHY

Alexandre Pato
	BIOGRAPHY | GALLERY | GOSSIP

Alexandre Pato, born 2 September 1989, in Pato Branco, Paraná, is a Brazilian striker currently playing for Italian Serie A club A.C. Milan.

Pato started playing indoor football in his hometown at the age of 3. Soon his ability became known all around the south Brazilian state of Paraná for being skillful and talented goal scorer.

When Pato scored for Internacional in the FIFA Club World Cup aged only 17 years and 102 days, he became the youngest ever goalscorer in a FIFA official club competition, beating Pelé's record by 137 days.

Pato's performances for Internacional and the Brazil youth teams brought attention from Europe's top clubs and A.C. Milan won the race for his signature in August 2007 paying out the minimum release clause in his contract to the tune of $22 million.

Pato scored his first Milan goal on his Serie A debut against S.S.C. Napoli in a 5–2 home victory on 13 January 2008. He finished the 2007–08 season with 9 goals in 20 appearances (18 in the league).

In late 2008, Pato scored two goals in Milan's 5–1 win over Udinese just before the Christmas break, and managed to shine again with a brace against A.S. Roma the following matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 January 2009, proving that he is a vital part of Milan's offense.

After gaining prominence at club level, Pato was called up for the youth teams of Brazil. He helped Brazil win the 2007 South American Youth Championship, which qualified the country for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and has been selected by Dunga for the 2008 Summer Olympics.