Pato cautious about form after injury

Rio de Janeiro, Mar 1 (IANS): Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato admits he is still “a long way off” from rediscovering the form that made him one of the world’s most sought-after strikers.

The 23-year-old scored his third goal in seven matches for the Brazilian club during a 2-0 Copa Libertadores group-stage victory over Colombia’s Millonarios Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

“Physically I am feeling very good. I ran a lot and managed to score but I still have a long way to go,” he said Thursday.

Pato, who joined Corinthians in January from AC Milan for a reported fee of 15 million euros, has played just 32 matches in the past two years due to injury.

Corinthians coach Tite was cautiously optimistic when asked about the forward.

“Pato is gradually gaining match fitness. He is still looking for his best form but he is participating and that makes me happy,” Tite said.

Corinthians next Copa Libertadores assignment is an away trip to Mexico’s Tijuana away March 6.