London 2012 Olympics

Alexandre Pato backs David Beckham to shine at Olympics

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 26 June 2012

Brazil striker Alexandre Pato believes that Britain and, in particular, David Beckham, will be a force to be reckoned with at this summer's Olympics.

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has backed Team GB and former teammate David Beckham to shine at this summer's Olympics.

Pato, 22, is set to appear at his second Olympic tournament after picking up a bronze medal in Beijing four years ago, but admits that he would not relish coming up against the British team.

Brazil face Britain in a friendly on July 20, but Pato is hopeful that that will be the only time the two sides meet.

"I hope I will only meet them in the friendly because in the Olympics they will be a very difficult side to beat, especially at home. This will be the third time London has hosted the Olympics and football is very important here and I think Great Britain will be going for the title," Pato said.

"Football is very important in Brazil and of all the times we have played at the Olympics we have never won a gold medal.

"In Beijing we won the bronze, which wasn't what was expected of us. But for me, getting that medal stirred up great emotion. If that was the emotion in winning the bronze I don't know what it would be like to win gold."

In particular, Pato earmarked David Beckham as one of Team GB's biggest threats, saying: "David has a lot to give in terms of his professionalism, in training, his expertise and his experience.

"As a passer, a shooter, a free-kick expert he is a great asset and we do have to be very careful with him in these positions.

"If he can play for Great Britain at the Olympics he will be a real asset."

Pato scored one goal at the 2008 Olympics, coming against New Zealand in a match that Brazil went on to win 5-0.