Pato delighted with Brazil goal-scoring debut

Teenage star Pato said Thursday he was delighted with his Brazil debut, where he scored the winner in a 1-0 success over Sweden in London on Wednesday.

Pato, 18, has made a huge impression on European football after also enjoying a goal-scoring debut for AC Milan in January.

"I'm delighted to have got on the pitch wearing the national team jersey for the first time," said Pato, who had to turn down a previous international call-up after suffering an ankle injury playing for Milan.

Pato has received glowing praise and has already been likened to Pele.

"I'm happy I scored and for the comparisons with Pele, who scored in the 1958 (World Cup) final against Sweden," he told the Milan TV channel. "For me, he is a hero, a phenomenon.

"Right now my career is going well and I have to keep working hard to continue my journey with the Brazil national team."

First, though, Pato has to turn his attentions to helping Milan overhaul fourth-placed Fiorentina in Serie A, despite trailing the Viola by four points in the race for the last Champions League qualifying position.

"Now in the league we have to reach our aim of fourth place so we can play in the Champions League next season," he said.