Leonardo hails super PatoLeonardo brokered the deal for Kaka and has done the same for Alexandre Pato, revealing what the new Milan sensation can achieve.
The Rossoneri beat competition from Real Madrid, Chelsea and rivals Inter to snap up the Brazilian Under-20 World Cup star by paying his £10m buy-out clause from Internacional.
“I am happy, as I think this is a signing that can give everyone a lot of joy,†Leonardo told ‘Milan Channel.’
“It was a good transfer operation in true Milan style, involving everyone. I am really glad for the boy and for Milan.â€
Although he will not be able to take part in official games until January, Pato can play in friendly games from September 3 when he turns 18 due to Italian work laws.
Leonardo returned to the San Siro club this summer as a transfer consultant after a spell working as a television pundit in Britain, Italy and Brazil.
It was he who brokered the Kaka deal back in 2003 with Sao Paolo and proved decisive once again in beating the competition for the hottest new talent.
“Milan have a structure and atmosphere that help us and I am only part of that,†said the modest World Cup winner.
“Pato will find many Brazilians here who will help him and his family is very close to him, as is normal for a 17-year-old. There are a series of elements that will aid his passage to Europe.â€
As the official Rossoneri website confirms, there was also strong interest in the player from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter.
“Many clubs observed him and when Milan track a player, other sides pay a little more attention. But his agent was also convinced from the start that Milan were the right destination.
“Milan manage to win players over and that atmosphere, that air of victory, really helps transfers to reach a conclusion.â€
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned that Pato is still too young to be considered the finished article, but Leonardo has more faith in the teenager.
“His behaviour has been mature from the moment he started. He became a first team player in a side that had just won the Copa Libertadores when he was still playing for the Under-17 team.
“There are many things that give me the impression Pato has the character to grow quickly. That step up in quality is mainly a psychological issue and Kaka took that brilliantly. Pato has the chance to do it too, but we must give him time and space,†added Leonardo.
“I think that Pato also understood this is why Milan is the place for him. This is such a stable club, it gives players the ease of mind and protection to develop. That is crucial.â€
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