Bonera backs Pato to lead Milan

18 July 2012 15:10

Daniele Bonera said Alexandre Pato should be AC Milan's focal point in attack this campaign following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's exit to PSG.

The Brazil international Pato struggled to secure regular first-team action last season due to a string of injuries, but Bonera is confident that the striker will be back to his usual best this Serie A term.

"I have heard from Pato, he is highly motivated because he has solved all his problems," Bonera stated at a press conference.

"The future attack has to be built around him: he is a great champion, but he is young and still has plenty of room for improvement. The attack is being focused around the name of Pato."

The defender then went on to discuss the situation of Antonio Cassano, who is keen on a move to Genoa, and hopes that the forward will stay put.

"What we need is the Cassano we had in the season finale. If he has problems then he needs to speak to the club, but if it is only a matter of pride I feel he will come back stronger than before," Bonera said.