Pato: I have no problem taking penalties

Nov 14, 2012 10:45:00 AM

The Brazilian attacker is determined to keep on taking spot kicks for the Rossoneri, and has added that he does not believe he is fully match-fit just yet

Alexandre Pato has stressed that he is keen to remain AC Milan's first-choice penalty taker, regardless of his miss from 12 yards in the 3-1 Serie A loss against Fiorentina at the weekend.

The 23-year-old has received his fair share of criticism in the past few days for blasting his attempt over the crossbar against the Viola, but he is eager to continue having spot kick responsibility.

"I am very sad about the penalty miss and the defeat in general. Missing a penalty is never nice," the San Siro attacker told Milan Channel.

"However, I am the designated penalty taker. I was on the pitch. Whenever I am playing, I take the penalties and I have no problem taking penalties. Unfortunately I missed."

The Brazil international only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, and he has stressed that he is not fully recovered just yet.

"I have only just made my way back after a long time out with injury. I have been on the sidelines for a long time, but I cannot say that I am really back. I am still on the road to full fitness.

"I am here at the club and I always have been working hard to try and get back into good shape. But I will only get back to being 100 per cent when things start to go well."

Pato has made six official appearances so far this term, scoring once in the process.

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
Who will start for Kenya against Nigeria in Oliech's absence?
Goal.com reviews Adel Amrouche’s striking options ahead of the June 5 contest, which Kenya must win if they hope to reach the finals to be staged in Brazil
Kenya coach accuses Logarusic of sabotage
Amrouche is at loggerheads with Gor Mahia coach Zdravko Logarusic, whom he accuses of refusing to release the clubs' players to train with the national team
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way