Former Brazilian international and AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is part of a consortium vying for control of English League Two club Colchester United. The 36-year-old footballer, who has represented Brazil at the international level, including the 2012 Olympics, attended Saturday's home game against Fleetwood Town as a guest of current owner Robbie Cowling.
Talks with Lightwell Sports Group, the US-based outfit headed by Tom Foley, collapsed in June last year. However, the sale process was reopened in September and has since attracted interest from several parties.
Colchester United is currently enjoying a resurgence under manager Danny Cowley, who has guided the team to an unbeaten run over six games, winning three of their last four matches. They are eighth in the table, just three points outside the playoffs for promotion back into English Football League Two (the third tier).
The takeover process at Colchester United is being overseen by American consultant Mitchell B Reiss on behalf of the club.
Pato's involvement comes at a time when football clubs in the lower tiers often face financial challenges. The Brazilian striker, who has played for several top-tier clubs, including AC Milan and Chelsea FC, announced his retirement from professional football last year after signing with Sao Paulo in 2023.
Talks with Lightwell Sports Group, the US-based outfit headed by Tom Foley, collapsed in June last year. However, the sale process was reopened in September and has since attracted interest from several parties.
Colchester United is currently enjoying a resurgence under manager Danny Cowley, who has guided the team to an unbeaten run over six games, winning three of their last four matches. They are eighth in the table, just three points outside the playoffs for promotion back into English Football League Two (the third tier).
The takeover process at Colchester United is being overseen by American consultant Mitchell B Reiss on behalf of the club.
Pato's involvement comes at a time when football clubs in the lower tiers often face financial challenges. The Brazilian striker, who has played for several top-tier clubs, including AC Milan and Chelsea FC, announced his retirement from professional football last year after signing with Sao Paulo in 2023.
i mean i had the best burger at this tiny diner in new york last summer it was literally the juiciest patty ever 
but anyway back to colchester united - 36 and still trying to make a comeback is pretty cool, right? 
alexandre pato is like the ultimate underdog story 
maybe he can bring some of that magic to colchester's team? 
! I'm not surprised, tbh - he's always been passionate about the sport. It's good to see some familiar faces from the top tier getting involved with teams in League Two. The US-based Lightwell Sports Group was out last time around, but I guess they're back at it again 
. It'll be interesting to see if Pato and his consortium can bring some stability (and maybe a bit of flair) to the club.
We'll have to keep an eye on this one!
. Maybe this is more of a business move for him? He's not getting any younger, so maybe he wants to get involved in the game again in a different way 
. Still, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out...
. The fact that they're in an unbeaten run is awesome, and with Cowley at the helm, I'm hoping their resurgence continues 
.
Meanwhile, it's awesome to see Colchester United on a roll under Danny Cowley 
They've got a good squad and seem like they're heading in the right direction.
The takeover process is always a minefield, but if anyone can make it work, it might be Pato 
It's also great to see the club enjoying a resurgence under manager Danny Cowley, he's clearly doing something right!