Pato tells Real Madrid forward Endrick he should find a new club

Former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato says Endrick should consider leaving Real Madrid, while confirming that Milan president Gerry Cardinale tried to sign the 20-year-old during the summer transfer window.

Milan were reportedly looking to complete a major signing before the transfer deadline as the summer window approached its conclusion. Endrick was among the players linked with a move to the Italian club, but no deal was eventually agreed.

A loan move for the Brazil forward had been viewed as a possibility because of concerns over his limited opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu. Those concerns have so far been borne out: after eight matches of the season, Endrick has played only four minutes.

Pato discussed his time with the Rossoneri at the Festival dello Sport in Trento and also spoke about Endrick in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Asked about the young striker, Pato said: “I think he needs a change. It is not easy for him to find a place at Real Madrid. I do not know what he thinks about it, but he cannot always leave the decision to his agents. In my opinion, he should find another club.”

Pato also confirmed that Cardinale had attempted to bring Endrick to Milan.

“I know Cardinale was trying to sign him for Milan, but he did not succeed,” he said. “He is always thinking about Milan’s interests. We spoke briefly in Copenhagen a few days ago. He cares a lot about Milan and will do everything he can for the club.”

The former Milan player was also asked about the club’s prospects in a competitive title race with Inter and said both teams should remain among the leading contenders.

“For me, Inter and Milan are always among the favourites to win,” said Pato. “In the Scudetto race, I am also following Napoli because they have a good team… Enough talking about Inter now!” he added with a laugh. “I hope Milan reach the Champions League final as soon as possible.”

Pato praised the attacking approach of manager Ruben Amorim but accepted that the coach should be given time to adapt to Italian football.

“Everyone now expects him to take Milan back to the Champions League and perhaps win the league,” he said. “However, it is fair to give him some time because he has only recently arrived and needs to understand the difficulties of Serie A.

“But I have a feeling that Amorim will do well this year and make the supporters happy.”