Pato hopes to find happiness with Lions
Brazilian star Alexandre Pato hopes to build a better life on and off the pitch with his move to Orlando City this season.
When he terminated his contract with São Paolo in August, the striker knew he needed a change.
“I expected for the new step, for the new club, [to] get my happiness back for myself,” Pato said. “I want to just be happy.”
Pato said he received offers from clubs in Europe, Asia and Brazil. But he wanted something different for both himself and his family.
Pato was a youth sensation, debuting professionally at the age of 16 and netting 12 goals for Internacional on the way to winning the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. He earned a massive transfer to AC Milan while still a teenager, scoring 63 goals over six seasons.
By the age of 22, Pato had won hardware at nearly every top level of the sport. But his career was haunted by injuries, which impacted the longevity of his time in the top European leagues.
Despite those difficulties, the striker knows he has plenty of runway left in his career.
“I’m 31 years old,” Pato said. “I’m
so young. I’m still so young.”
With his move to Orlando, Pato is looking for something to reinvigorate his love for the game. The striker believes he found that spark in coach Oscar Pareja.
Pato said he already spoke to new teammates Nani and Júnior Urso, both of whom gave consistently
glowing reviews of Pareja.
After their first meeting, the striker said he was impressed by the kind nature and work ethic of his new coach, who has long earned the nickname “Papi’‘ for his paternal style of coaching.
“He’s like a father,” Pato said. “He loves you, but sometimes he
knows [you] need a push . ... I will give everything for him. From the first impression, he’s amazing.”
Pato said he was also impressed by the growth of Orlando City since its inception in the USL 10 years ago.
Pareja has emphasized the importance of a slow, sustained build for the Lions as they chase new records in MLS this season. Pato said he saw his arrival as an important part of the next chapter for the team.
“You need to build step for step,” Pato said. “The project here, it’s amazing.”
In the five months since the end of his contract in Brazil, Pato said he’s been focused on improving himself. He logged two-a-day trainings every week during that time, honing his physical fitness to bring the best to his new club.
After months of individual workouts, the striker said he’s eager to begin training with his teammates. After completing his mandatory testing and quarantine period upon arrival, he will be allowed to join the team at preseason camp in Bradenton this weekend.
Pato said his mother noticed his excitement during a phone call Thursday, saying she could see a new energy — and a new Alexandre.
“I’m so empowered now,” Pato said. “My mentality is empowered. I understand what I need to do to enjoy my work. I need to work hard. You get some things important in your life, you need to work hard. So that’s my challenge when I accept[ed] to come to Orlando.”