Pato reveals Berlusconi’s tactical advice before Milan derby | OneFootball

Former Milan striker Alexandre Pato reveals Silvio Berlusconi wanted him to play as a centre-forward despite the coach’s tactical advice.

The Brazilian striker, currently without a club, spoke to Brazilian podcast Benja Me Mucho, revealing that ex-Milan President Berlusconi often told him to change positions on the pitch.

“Once, before a derby against Inter, we were on the team bus going towards the stadium. At some point, I received a call. Berlusconi wanted to talk to me,” Pato recalled.

“He said: ‘Listen to me, you must play in the middle more.’

“I was like, ‘How can I do this? My coach is there! Silvio, how can I do it? I must do what the coach wants!’

“But he insisted: ‘No worries, go in the middle, it’s me telling you.’

“When I played more in the middle, it was because he wanted it. I think Leo [Leonardo] was the coach.”

The Rossoneri boss wanted Pato to play wide but didn’t complain when Berlusconi asked the striker to move towards the centre of the pitch.

“In the end, it went well because we even beat Real Madrid,” noted Pato.

The latter even dated Berlusconi’s daughter, Barbara, during his time in Milan, and the ex-Rossoneri patron had no hard feelings when they split up.

“He was always very nice,” said the Brazilian.

“I remember that once, he gathered all the players in the middle of the park and said: ‘If we win the title, I will organise a big party for everyone except you, Pato!'”