Alexandre Pato can be a success for Chelsea, says former Arsenal star Edu

Big things: Edu believes Alexandre Pato will be able to fit in at Chelsea
NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images
Vaishali Bhardwaj31 January 2016

Alexandre Pato has been tipped to resurrect his career at Chelsea because he no longer harbours any injuries and is mature enough to tackle the challenges of the Premier League, according to former Arsenal star Edu.

Chelsea completed a six-month loan move, with the option to buy permanently in the summer, for the Brazilian on Friday night before Pato underwent his first training session with the Blues a day later.

The 26-year-old admitted after arriving in London to finalise his transfer earlier this week he was happy Chelsea had given him the chance to return to European football following three years in Brazil, where he was able to improve his form.

And Edu, who is sporting director at Pato's parent club Corinthians, believes the forward has what it takes to put in the kind of performances he did at AC Milan - although he warned the Brazilian he must adapt to Chelsea's philosophy to connect with the fans.

"Injuries are not a problem any more. We did a good job with him here and he improved a lot on the pitch," the 37-year-old told The Sun.

"I think he can be a success in the Premier League. Everyone is disappointed with how it turned out with Pato.

"But he has no injuries, so I think he will be good for Chelsea. He could play in the Premier League for many years.

"It is hard to compare him to other players but he is a big talent. He has matured. Maybe that can help him. He has changed in his mind a bit.

"I think he is mature enough now to understand this change at Chelsea. To be in the mentality of the club.

"Many clubs wanted him but the last word is the player’s word.

"When Chelsea came to talk to us and gave us the opportunity to start the negotiations, Pato said he wanted to go to the Premier League."

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He added: "Pato didn’t get the philosophy here and what the fans expect from the players.

"He must get the philosophy of the club. He has to connect well with the supporters.

"That is what I mean about philosophy. If you see Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham, they have a traditional way of playing and the fans see that.

"That is what he has to understand, he must be clever enough to know how important that is now.

"At the beginning, Corinthians were prepared for him to play very strong and fast - like at the other clubs where he did well.

"He started well, was scoring goals and was playing games. But it was tactical as well, and in the end about the team. He didn’t suit us and then Sao Paulo wanted him and we wanted Jadson, so we changed them around.

"And it worked for both - for Pato and for Jadson - they both did well for their new clubs. In the end Sao Paulo was better for Pato, Corinthians went for another player and we changed. Both sides did well."

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