Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino has made it clear just how much he is enjoying his time out on loan with Blackpool by liking a social media post addressed to his parent club.
Patino has been sent to the Championship club for the campaign to develop his game after making a breakthrough into Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad last season. The 19-year-old midfielder has taken to the division like a duck to water and has already become a firm fan favourite among Tangerines supporters.
While he was already earning plaudits for his displays, the love from the Blackpool fans went up another level on the weekend when he scored and provided an assist in a 4-2 win over local rivals Preston North End.
Patino, who now has two goals and one assist in 11 Championship appearances, has been swamped with supportive posts on social media since – and one of his likes on Twitter shows the high regard he’s held in.
The post, from Blackpool season ticket holder Sam Currie, reads: "Dear @Arsenal, @CharliePatino10 is terrible at football & it wouldn't be fair if we returned him to you so it's probably best if we look after him until we deem him good enough to return. I imagine that will be in around 14 years. Kind regards, All at @BlackpoolFC.”
Patino is one of over 7,500 people to have liked the post and flicking through his likes on Twitter is clear to see just how loved he is. Blackpool fans have created a catchy new chant dedicated to the young midfielder, while one supporter has even had his signature tattooed onto them.
Patino has not been shy to give back some love. “It’s amazing. I love the fans here, they’re always so supportive, not just of me but the whole team, I think it’s good to have them [with us],” he told BBC Sport Lancashire after the win over Preston.
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“As soon as we came out for the warm-up we had the fans on our side. They were shouting and screaming and they were getting on our side throughout the whole game. They were a pleasure to play in front of.”
He was then asked if joining Blackpool was the best decision he’s ever made. “Massively,” he replied instantly. “Making the decision to come and play in the Championship was a no-brainer for me. Coming to play for three points, to play with experienced players, older, faster, stronger. Being able to adapt is ultimately what I needed – it’s a step in the right direction for me. I’m really thankful to be here.”
Patino has long been earmarked as an Arsenal midfielder of the future, having been tipped for stardom right throughout his time in the Gunners’ academy. That hype went into overdrive when he scored on his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in the 5-1 win over Sunderland in December last year.
