Dirty TacklePato and his vuvuzela follow Brazil to South Africa
Despite scoring 12 goals in 23 Serie A matches this past season and being a member of the Confederations Cup winning Brazil side last summer, Pato didn't make Brazil's World Cup squad. But like a true fan of the game (or maybe even a crazed stalker), Pato has decided to follow Brazil to South Africa and take in the tournament as as a supporter.
Says Pato via the South Africa Times:
"For sure, I'm going to matches with my vuvuzela and I'm going to watch Brazil play and be world champion.
"I'm sure Brazil is not going to lose. I'm here with my vuvuzela for Brazil and I'm sure Brazil is going to the final and is going to win it."
So, wait, does he have a vuvuzela or not?
"It's almost the same team that played at the Confederations Cup and they know what they have to do to win."
Yes, it's almost the same team.
Pato isn't in South Africa just to watch matches and blow his vuvuzela until he feels light-headed, though. On Wednesday he hung out with children at the opening of a Soweto Township football training center built by Nike, which put his plight in perspective for him.
"It's hard to know that kids here have to live with poverty and AIDS," Pato said. "We players have a chance to play and win for the national team. I am here as a fan to back the national team and I am happy to be here learning from kids."
Class. And he's still just 20 years old.
Photo: Getty Images
