Alexandre Pato: Striker calls Chelsea his 'new home'

Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato says Chelsea is his "new home" before a possible loan move to Stamford Bridge.

The former AC Milan forward, 26, arrived in England on Wednesday amid reports he is about to join the Premier League strugglers until May.

Chelsea have not commented on a move for Pato, who spent the last two Brazilian seasons on loan at Sao Paulo.

"I really want to play for Chelsea. I need to play. I'm so happy," the Brazil international said.

Pato joined Milan as a 17-year-old in 2007 and was a success, but scored only once in his final 21 Serie A games before moving back to Brazil in 2013.

The forward has scored 10 goals in 25 caps for Brazil, but last appeared for his country in 2013.

He also won a silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012.

After landing at London's Heathrow Airport, Pato said: "Thanks Chelsea for the support and thanks for my fans.

"I want to know my new friends, the new players, and the team."

Pato was speaking as Chelsea midfielder Ramires joined Chinese side Jiangsu Suning in a deal believed to be worth about £25m.

Analysis

by Tim Sturtridge, South American football journalist

• Pato has struggled with injuries since 2010 (hamstrings, thigh strains, muscle pulls), which curtailed his time in Milan. His return to Brazil with Corinthians was not successful with the £11.5m price tag (a massive fee for a Brazilian club to pay) weighing heavily on him.

• The pace, movement and trickery that marked Pato out as a special talent in his early years have declined as injuries have taken their toll. There are parallels with Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao in this respect.

• A positive for Chelsea is that Pato has turned down bigger money in China and at 26 he knows this is his last chance to make an impact in Europe. He will be aiming to reach Brazil's Copa America squad this summer.

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