Chelsea announces loan signing of Alexandre Pato from Corinthians

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Alexandre Pato's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean is complete.

On Friday, Chelsea, at long last, announced the loan signing of Pato from Corinthians until the end of the season.

(Courtesy: Chelsea)

According to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian, Pato attended a work permit hearing in London before joining Chelsea, and is expected to secure his work permit on appeal because he will accumulate the required "points" needed under the system given Chelsea's size and the wages he will be paid.

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"I am so happy to sign for Chelsea," Pato said. "It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new teammates and cannot wait to play. I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay their faith to the club and its fans."

The transfer marks the second time that Pato has abandoned South America for Europe, as he joined AC Milan in the summer of 2007 from Internacional, the club where he was produced and developed the touch and pace that have devastated defenders over the past 10 years. His time with the Rossoneri, however, was marred by injury after injury, and he returned to Brazil in 2013, signing with Corinthians.

Pato also took to Instagram after joining Chelsea, writing: "Today I'm really happy to became a player of this huge and special club! I never gave up on my dream of coming back to play in Europe and now Chelsea is helping me to make this dream come true. Thanks a lot for all the support of my family, Chelsea team and the fans !!! Today's is a happy day!"