Bizarre AZ ex-player recounts freezing blackout during winter match

In a bizarre revelation, former AZ forward Weslley Patati described a freezing blackout that forced his substitution during a winter match in the Netherlands. The 22‑year‑old Brazilian recounted the incident while speaking to the Noordhollands Dagblad about his first challenging season abroad.

Patati’s potential never materialised in his debut campaign with AZ, as the club’s expectations remained unmet throughout that year.

The Brazilian attacker struggled to adapt to life in the Netherlands, facing significant cultural and climatic adjustments.

During the coldest part of winter he experienced such extreme chill that he had to leave the pitch, prompting the coach to replace him mid‑game.

He told the Noordhollands Dagblad, “The cold made it really hard for me, I mean it. There was a match where I had eaten too little and then had to play in the cold. I had a black‑out, it went black for my eyes. The trainer had to substitute me because I could only lie on the ground.”

Patati admitted the reaction was extreme, adding, “Yes, yes, that’s how it is. I really struggle to keep doing what I have to do when it’s not warm. But now it’s warm and I feel good.”

Looking ahead, he said he will prepare better for the next winter, planning to “buy more clothes, and better clothes, also for during the match.”

AZ invested over €7 million in Patati a year ago, signing the left‑footed right winger on a substantial fee.

Last Sunday he remained influential, scoring AZ’s second goal in a 0‑4 Johan Cruyff Shield victory over PSV in Eindhoven.