 Incumbent European champions Milan of the Italian Serie A officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007 for a fee of about €24 million.Due to FIFA football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until 3 January 2008, when the Italian transfer window and registration reopened.Milan, however, were allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning 3 September 2007, one day after his 18th birthday.