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Pato begins Milan adventure Wednesday 5 September, 2007

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Alexandre Pato has turned 18 and will have his first training session with Milan this afternoon. "I know Ronaldo and Kaka are waiting for me."

The teenager was signed for £10m from Internacional this summer, but as he was under-age could not legally train with the club until his 18th birthday – which he celebrated on Sunday.


"The flight went well and my family came along with me. That was the most important thing. I am happy to be in Italy and I will work to honour this jersey."


He won't be able to play for the Rossoneri in a competitive match until the January transfer window so that his contract can be registered, but he'll make his debut in Thursday's friendly against Dynamo Kiev.


"I know that Milan drew with Fiorentina on Monday and I saw some of the game on television. I hope to be in the stands to watch the next one," he added.


Pato will have his first training session at Milanello at 16.00 UK time.


"When Pato arrives, we must coddle him a little bit," said Coach Carlo Ancelotti. "This is why we do not have time to think about signing any other strikers."