Former Milan fan favourite Alexandre Pato weighed in on the Rossoneri’s run of poor form and hinted that a move to Monza could be on the horizon.
The 33-year-old Brazilian forward, who is currently a free agent after leaving MLS outfit Orlando City last month, spent six years with the Rossoneri from 2007 to 2013, breaking through in electric fashion as a teenager before injuries derailed his time in Serie A.
Milan have only picked up one win in 2023, losing to Lazio and Sassuolo in the league and suffering defeat to Torino in the Coppa Italia and Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pato first gave his thoughts on Milan’s recent issues and how they can solve them.
“The premise is that in my dressing room there were quite a few legends… The key to understanding is only one, between training sessions and matches there was no difference, the attitude was the same.
“A beautiful thing. I was lucky enough to see Maldini train 110% every day. He arrived earlier, did extra work. Ibra the same. Cafù the same. Champions who didn’t think about the clock, but only about working as hard as possible.
“So more than talking, all you had to do to understand the right path was to observe. As for the current situation, I can only say that if they’re using the same attitude as last year, it’s not good.
“Sometimes the management that follows wins is more complicated than when you don’t win. However, I’m sure that Pioli will turn the light back on.”
He touched on the Rafael Leao situation and what the Portugese star should do. Milan are still hoping to renew his contract but regular media reports link him with a move to Europe’s top clubs.
“He has to do what he feels with his heart, because sometimes you have too many people around you telling you what to do.
“He must decide for what he thinks will make him happy. Leao however has a home at Milan, he has everything he needs.”
The 33-year-old spoke about how could make the difference in the upcoming Derby della Madonnina.
“Rafa can make the difference, but I also really like Giroud. He’s a friend of the goal, and in the derby he knows how to score.”
He commented on the role of Swedish veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“When he retires, he’s someone who has to be inside the dressing room. His role is to make the younger players understand that there’s a difference between winning and losing.”
Finally, Pato discussed the growth of Silvio Berlusconi’s Monza and hinted at a possible move to the club.
“I’m very happy for his Monza. Berlusconi and Galliani are always in my heart. I’m sure that in a few years Monza will get to challenge Milan and Inter.
“I had already spoken with Berlusconi and Galliani before the promotion, but in Serie B, non-EU players are not allowed. We’ll see now, maybe now that they’re in Serie A I’ll get a message from them…”