Orlando City SC confirmed the signing of Alexandre Pato for a year as a free agent after his stint in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“We are very excited to welcome Pato to Orlando. He is an accomplished player who has appeared in some of the best clubs in the world and has a proven track record internationally. The experience that Pato brings will be invaluable to us. the club. ”Luiz Muzzi, executive vice president of football operations in Orlando City, said in a statement from the club. Pato is a high caliber player and we are excited to add another great goal to the top. “
31-year-old Alexandre Pato started his professional career in Brazil with Internacional before establishing himself as one of the most important young stars in the world and breaking the record as the youngest goalscorer in a FIFA league by playing in the Club World Cup at the age of 17 and secure his pass for AC Milan.
Despite suffering injuries, Pato has played 117 games for the Serie A giants in six seasons, scoring 51 goals.
Internationally 27 times with the Brazilian national team, in his career he has also played with Chelsea and Villarreal, as well as in China, scoring 30 goals in 47 appearances with Tianjin Tianhai. He then returned to Brazil, twice with Sao Paulo and once with Corinthians.
Pato adds a proven scorer to an Orlando City team already in jeopardy by Nani, Chris Mueller, Daryl Dike and Mauricio Pereyra.
The Lions come off their best season in MLS in 2020, reach the MLS Playoffs for the first time and advance to the finals of the MLS is Back Special Tournament.