Alexandre Pato: Why I came back to Europe to play for Chelsea

ALEXANDRE PATO has admitted he had to learn about his body before returning to Europe.

 

Pato has joined up with Guus Hiddink's squad until the end of the season

 

The 26-year-old has joined Chelsea on a loan deal from Brazilian club Corinthians as Guus Hiddink looks to strengthen his strike force.

It signals a return to European football for Pato who left AC Milan in 2012 after a string of injuries and a dramatic loss of form.

"I went to Brazil to learn more about my body and my physique: what to do before training, during training, after training, even after the match," Pato said.

 

"I learned a lot about myself and how to look after myself, and now Chelsea have opened the doors to me for this opportunity, I am very happy to be back in Europe."

The Brazilian international joined Milan at the age of 17 and quickly became one of world football's rising stars, including a memorable double at the Bernabeu to beat Real Madrid 3-2 in 2009.

But having been awarded the 2009 Serie A Young Player of the Year, injuries started to become a problem in that same season for the striker.

 

And in 2013, having played just 25 games in two seasons, Pato sealed £12.18million deal to take him to Corinthians.

His attempts to return to Europe have attracted the attentions of a number of big clubs including Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

But already Pato feels as though he made the right choice to move to Stamford Bridge to join fellow Brazilians Willian, Oscar and Kenedy

"These first few days have been very important," Pato added.

 

"Since I arrived I have been made to feel very welcome.

"All the players have helped me settle a lot and that is a big thing. 

"They will help me express myself with freedom on the pitch and to be incorporated into the team.

"The coach met me here at Cobham and introduced me to all the staff from all the different departments. 

"He has given me the support to have a great rest of season at Chelsea."