ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 15, 2022) - Ahead of the 2022 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, Orlando City SC has signed forward Alexandre Pato to a new, one-year contract, it was announced today.
“Pato’s ability is proven and we know the untapped potential in what he can bring to our team,” said General Manager and EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. “He’s been working hard to return to top form and we’re looking forward to him having an impactful year for the Club. We’re excited for him to return and play an important role both on the field and in the locker room this season.
Pato, 32, saw his 2021 campaign season cut short following an injury in the team’s 2021 season opener. After recovering, the forward totaled five appearances on the year for the Lions, including an appearance in the Club’s Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs match against Nashville SC on Nov. 23.
Pato started out his professional career at Sport Club Internacional of Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Brazil’s top-flight, moving from the club’s U20 squad to the First Team in January of 2006. Since then, the experienced center forward has featured for numerous top clubs, including Serie A’s AC Milan, English Premier League’s Chelsea FC and Brazil’s Sport Club Corinthians Paulista and São Paulo FC.
The 32-year-old has won five club trophies so far in his career, including the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2007 Recopa Sudamericana with Internacional, the Italian Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2011 with AC Milan, and a second Recopa Sudamericana in 2013 with Corinthians. Pato totaled 398 appearances, scored 160 goals and provided 48 assists across all competitions with his previous clubs.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs forward Alexandre Pato to a one-year contract.
