Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja didn’t plan on playing new striker Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva –– better known as Pato –– in the Lions’ preseason friendly this week until the veteran asked to be put into the match.
The former AC Milan star exited his mandatory quarantine period only days before, spending three training sessions with his new team. But Pareja said Pato was eager to get onto the pitch as quickly as possible.
“His attitude has been very good, tremendous, professional,” Pareja said. “He asked us to get involved in the game and we considered it was a good moment to give him some minutes in the second half.