The Submarine come to a transfer agreement with SC Corinthians
A new star for the Yellows. Villarreal and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista have come to an agreement for the transfer of Alexandre Pato, who will be a Yellow for the next four seasons. The Brazilian footballer will be presented to the fans on Monday 1st August at 8.30pm CET at the Paraje de la Ermita de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia in Vila-real.
Formed in the ranks of the Internacional de Porto Alegre academy, Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva ‘Pato’ (Pato Branco, Paraná, 2nd September 1989) stood out from an early age due to his skills. At just 17 years of age, in 2006, the forward made his debut with the SC Internacional first team, scoring a goal and assisting two against Palmeiras. He also won the Super Cup and the Club World Cup that same year. He had already become a key player for Porto Alegre, where he played 27 matches and scored 12 goals when he cuaght the eye of scouts from big European clubs, especially AC Milan, who brought him in as their star signing in 2007.
At the Rossoneri club, due to the FIFA regulations on international transfers of underaged players -he was still 17- he went almost six months without playing an official game, until he was officially registered during that winter market when he had turned 18 years old. From there, he became one of the club’s icons, playing for AC Milan for six seasons; with a total of 150 matches, 63 goals and 18 assists. He also won the Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup in 2011.
In January 2013, the forward returned to Brazil after signing for Corinthians, who paid what was a record fee at that time in the Brazilian Market. ‘Pato’ adapted well to his new side, playing a total of 39 matches and scoring 12 goals. He won the Paulista Championship and his second Recopa Sudamericana (2013). The following season, in 2014/15, Corinthians loaned him to Sao Paulo FC where he also had an excellent season (105 matches, 39 goals, 19 assists).
At the beginning of 2016, Chelsea were to sign Pato, who didn’t make his debut for the Blues until 2nd April. Despite only playing two matches, he scored one goal for the London side.
Alexandre ‘Pato’ has also had a long career with the Brazilian national team, making his first appearance in 2008 and playing 28 matches and scoring 10 goals for his country to date. He has also been a member of the U20 national team (12 matches, 8 goals) and the Olympic team (10 matches, 2 goals).
A fast, mobile player, with great technical ability, he is dangerous in attack, equally capable of scoring and assisting goals. In addition he will also bring his experience from playing at the top level in Europe and for his national team.
Ficha de Alexandre Pato
