Chelsea have officially confirmed the six month loan signing of Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato from Corinthians, after he passed a medical in London on Wednesday.
Pato will play for six months at Chelsea, with the possibility of making the deal permanent at the end of the loan spell. Corinthians own 60% of Pato"s economic rights. Pato told the club"s website: “I am very happy to sign with Chelsea. It"s a dream for me. I"m looking forward to meeting my teammates and cannot wait to play. I thank Chelsea for their support and I hope to repay the faith of the club and the fans."
Pato has a contract with Corinthians until the end of 2016, but they did not renew the contract with the player. The Brazilian club feared that they"d have to continue paying him the high wages if he doesn"t prove to be a success in the Premier League. According to UOL Esporte, Corinthians were discussing an ‘Anti-England" clause with the player"s representatives and the club. The purpose of the clause is to forbid him from playing in any division of English football until the end of 2020, if Chelsea refuse to exercise their purchase option [for €12 million] after the loan of six months.