Chelsea have confirmed the loan signing of Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.
The former AC Milan star has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a number of weeks now and it is the Blues who have secured his signature.
Pato promised so much
Pato made his name at Milan, making his debut for the Italian side as a teenager. The Brazilian then went on to become one of the most sought after talents in world football, his rapid progress coming to fruition as he tucked a goal away against Barcelona, 25 seconds into the match.
However the 26-year old’s career has spiraled downwards since then, a surprise move back to his native country with Corinthians was deemed not too successful, only scoring nine times in 30 league appearances. Prior to his loan move to Chelsea, Pato has also played for Sao Paulo temporarily.
Hiddink hopeful
This has made many doubt the ability of Pato. Guus Hiddink himself has said that the deal is not a gamble, stating that he wouldn’t have given “the green light” if he didn’t believe in the talent that Pato possesses.
The striker himself has stated that it is a “Dream to sign for Chelsea” and hoping that he can repay the club and the fans with solid performances.
The signing seems fitting; much like Brazilian’s career, Chelsea find themselves in the shadow of their former self. Perhaps the two can help each other reclaim their former glory.
Plenty of his fellow countrymen in London
Not to mention the fact that for a number of games now Diego Costa has been the sole first team striker available for Hiddink’s selection with Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao both injured.
There has been a flurry of Brazilians at Stamford Bridge in recent years. Pato will join Brazil international players such as Willian and Oscar, as well as Brazil U20 international Kenedy. He would also have been joining Ramires, but the former Benfica midfielder has just joined Chinese team Jiangsu Suning.