27-07-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
AC Milan idol Pato says time in China one of ‘most important experiences of my life'
Former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato has hailed the time he spent in China and said he remains a fan of football in the country.
The former Brazil international spent two seasons with Tianjin Quanjian from 2017 to 2019 during the Chinese Super League boom.
Pato is known mostly for his time with Milan, but he also played for Premier League giants Chelsea and Spanish side Villarreal, as well as having spells in Brazil and the United States.
Yet he remembers his time in China with fondness.
'I spent two wonderful years in China,' he told the Post. 'It was one of the most important experiences of my life.'
Alexandre Pato in action against Guangzhou R&F in a Chinese Super League match in 2017. Photo: AFP
Pato is in the city as a Milan ambassador for the Football Festival, and watched his former side beat Liverpool 4-2 in the Standard Chartered Trophy at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday.
