The Rossoneri have so far been unable to fill the void left by Shevchenko's switch to the Blues in 2006, but the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation looks like he may be the answer.

Pato only received clearance to make his debut in January, and has already scored three goals in as many games, including a double against Genoa on Sunday.

And he has also taken on the number seven shirt left unused since Shevchenko's departure.

Milan are pinning their hopes on the youngster, and Shevchenko understands the reasoning.

"He has a way of playing which is similar to mine," the Ukrainian striker told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He understands the game and finds gaps. I never liked standing still, and I can see that he doesn't like it either.

"At only 18, he is already so good."

Pato has a head start on Shevchenko, who only made his debut for Milan as a 22-year-old.

Before that, though, the Chelsea hitman made his debut in the Champions League for Dinamo Kiev and scored his first goal at the same age Pato is now.

But he does not believe the Brazilian has moved to one of Europe's biggest clubs too early.

"Pato has team mates who will help him grow," he added. "People who have a different vision to others; I'm talking about Pirlo, Kaka, Seedorf.

"To play alongside players like those provides a guarantee to a striker."

Shevchenko spent seven years with the Rossoneri, winning the Scudetto and Champions League.

And the 31-year-old is now keen for the medals to start rolling in with Chelsea.

He said: "My life is at Chelsea now, I have served my time with Milan. I am at a big club and the team is doing well. Life is not only about the past.

"I am delighted with the mark I left behind at Milan and gave the best I had in seven glorious seasons.

"I love Milan and I love Italy, and I have always said that. There is always somebody to take your place and the future is Pato."