Pato pursues Brazilian bounty Tianjin Quanjian’s rejuvenated star hoping for return to national fold
SHANGHAI — Brazilian star Alexandre Pato is not giving up hope of a recall to the national side, saying he’s at the peak of his career following his move to China.
The 27-year-old forward is enjoying soccer and life in the Chinese Super League after signing with Tianjin Quanjian on a $21 million transfer from Spanish club Villarreal in January.
Pato’s career was in freefall prior to the move, but the onetime teen prodigy and former AC Milan player has prospered in the CSL, scoring 12 goals in 20 games and staying free of serious injury.
That sparked talk of a return to one of Europe’s top leagues and a possible international recall, four years after his last cap for Brazil.
“Of course I won’t give up on my wish to get back into the Brazilian national team and I hope to be able to get back in,” Pato told Chinese soccer website Dongqiudi.
“When I was leaving Villarreal someone told me that if I chose China I would be saying goodbye to the Brazilian national team and mainstream football leagues.
“But I didn’t care
I feel that I’m at the peak of my career now because I’m well prepared both physically and mentally.”
as
Ithought Chinese football had a lot of potential and room for development,” he said in the comments published on Monday.
“I had two offers at the time: Tianjin Quanjian and another club, and I thought my decision to come here was correct.”
This week another Brazilian, Paulinho, was snapped up by Barcelona from Guangzhou Evergrande for $47 million, proving that career-killer.
Pato, who rose to stardom at AC Milan before injuries took their toll, has played 27 times for his country, scoring 10 goals. However, he has not played for Brazil, which is enjoying a resurgence under new manager Tite, since 2013.
Pato also credits his new lease of life to tweaking his game. the CSL is no
“When I was younger I had much more explosive power and speed, but I got injured a lot of the time because of this,” he said.
“Now I don’t rely so much on speed and power. I feel that I’m at the peak of my career now because I’m well prepared both physically and mentally.”