Pato Injury “Not Too Serious” Says Maldini

Milan captain Paolo Maldini believes that the injury that Alexandre Pato picked up against Fiorentina last night is not as serious as was first feared.

Pato

InjuryTeenage wonderkid Pato came off the bench at the Stadio Franchi to score the only goal of the game in Milan’s 1-0 victory, however in the closing stages he badly turned his ankle as he challenged for a ball.

The Brazilian was stretchered off the pitch in serious distress, and there were initial fears that he may have sustained a very bad injury.

“At first I became worried about Pato’s condition,” admitted Maldini. “He suffered a painful knock, perhaps a new feeling for him, but I don't think it's too serious because he hurt his ankle, not his knee. It's not as bad as what it seemed like on the pitch.”

Fourth Place

Maldini was delighted that Milan had picked up a crucial win as they hunt down Fiorentina in the final Champions League position. "Finally we managed to do what we always need to do,” the legend stated. “Unfortunately in the standings we are penalised by the fact we didn’t win much at home in the first round of matches, which is absolutely unlike Milan. “Now we have to keep on going, our objectives must be large. Until twenty days ago the fourth place seemed like a utopia.”

Arsenal

Maldini also looked ahead to the Rossoneri’s mouth-watering Champions League tie with Arsenal in a fortnight’s time. “Soon the Champions League will return, which will strain us both physically and mentally. Our intention is to be more consistent compared to the first part of the season,” the 39-year-old concluded.

Goal.com