Pato: Hearing Milan's fans' roar gives you an extra gear

The Brazilian striker scored his first goal of the season to salvage a point for the Rossoneri and thanked the fans for cheering the team on until the final whistle

Alexandre Pato has lauded the "fantastic" AC Milan support in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Malaga in the Champions League.

The Rossoneri faithful have endured a frustrating time this season having seen many of the club's top stars leave the club in the summer while results this term have not been to the Diavolo's expectations.

However, a 5-1 win at the weekend against Chievo was followed up with this result at San Siro tonight, and the Brazilian believes the fans unwavering support of the side has played a big role in their revival.

"The Milanisti were fantastic tonight, and they supported us until the end," Pato told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"We need the fans to be close to us, as coming to the stadium and hearing their roar gives you an extra gear.

"We’re trying to do our best for the fans, but sometimes it doesn’t go that well, but we still need the fans."

The strike was the Brazilian's first goal for his club this season but he revealed that he had felt under no pressure to get off the mark.

"Is it a weight off my shoulders to have scored again? No, I'm relaxed and I just need to play.

"I'm coming back from an injury. I want to help my team-mates and always do my best when playing for the team."

The Rossoneri sit 11th in Serie A while they are also only two points clear of the bottom of their Champions League group, but Pato believes they are now starting to find the correct formula.

"I think that we're improving, and we've have found a good tactical set-up which is also more offensive," he said.

"We’re playing fairly well and we’re just lacking the victories. I dedicate the goal to those who are close to me."