Engulfed by a throng of reporters and supporters, Brazilian sensation Alexandre Pato touched down in Italy yesterday to begin his new adventure with AC Milan. The Rossoneri parted with around 22 million euros to prise the 17-year-old from Internacional on Friday, although he will be ineligible to play in official matches for the reigning European champions until 3 January.

Following a meteoric rise to celebrity, which included helping Internacional beat Barcelona to clinch the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2006 crown on only his third appearance for the club and firing Brazil to South American U-20 Championship Paraguay 2007 glory, the teenager became of the object of a number of Old Continent giants' desires. Milan ultimately won the race for the dashing forward's signature, and although he was sad to say his goodbyes to O Colorado and his adoring public in Porto Alegre, he revealed his delight at having signed for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

"I'm very happy about this new adventure," he told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Milan are the European champions. Knowing that the directors thought about me and wanted me makes me feel proud, because I am young and I must still prove everything. But they did not have any doubt.

"I know that football in Europe is tough. Kaka and Ronaldo will help me to overcome the difficulties. It pleases me to have spoken to Galliani, because I had the sensation that Milan wanted me a lot. It was very important," he added.

Familiar faces
Alexandre Pato will move into the apartment previously occupied by his compatriot Amoroso, who left the 17-time Italian champions in September 2006 to join Corinthians and more recently turned out for Gremio in the Copa Libertadores 2007 final. Not that he will be short of familiar faces in the fashion capital of the world. As well as Kaka and Ronaldo, the Pato Branco native will team up with Dida, Cafu and Serginho in the AC Milan squad.

Courted by some of the most prestigious clubs across the planet, Pato, who represented Brazil at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, revealed the opportunity to play alongside his boyhood idol Ronaldo solidified his desire to join Milan. "I've always watched Ronaldo on television and dreamed about this," he explained.

"He's my idol. Now I have the chance to get to know him personally, to be his team-mate, to play alongside him. I'm delighted. Now I will do my best to help Milan win titles."

AC Milan will begin their quest to wrestle the Italian Serie A trophy from arch-rivals Inter Milan away at Genoa on 26 August, before they welcome Fiorentina to the San Siro one week later.