By DPA
Rio de Janeiro : Brazilian football legend Pele sought to temper the expectations surrounding the nation’s young phenomenon Alexander Pato, who made his AC Milan debut by scoring a goal in their 5-2 victory over Empoli in the Italian Serie A.
“I think they have put too great a responsibility on Pato, mainly because he scored a goal,” Pele said Wednesday in an interview with the radio station Jovem Pan.
“He is an above average player, but one should still be a little patient because he is a footballer who is just starting out and he will soon face a man-to-man defence that will make his job harder,” the football legend said.
Pato, 18, rose through International Porto Alegre’s junior ranks and plays for Brazil’s under-20 team. He has only played 30 games as a professional to date.
Milan signed him for $20 million in 2007 when the Italian transfer window re-opened after Pato turned 18 in September, but he has only just been allowed to make his official debut.