By Football Talk.
Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of AC Milan striker Pato after the player declared he is happy at the San Siro and would like to remain in Italy and win trophies with Milan. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is huge admirer of Pato after managing him during his time at AC Milan and has been widely tipped to make a move for the Brazilian forward this summer as The Blues look to add some youth to their ageing squad.
With Milan having financial difficulties, a bid of around £35m was seen as substantial enough to force them in to a sale. However, Pato has now claimed he is happy at AC and will remain their until he is told otherwise.
“I want to remain at AC Milan and win everything with them,” said Pato as reported in Gazzetta dello Sport. “But I am a Rossonero player and my future will be decided by the club.”
Pato expressed his affection for ex-AC Milan manager and current Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti, saying he was a great person and acknowledged Ancelotti’s contribution to the strikers career.
“Carlo is a great person,” said Pato. “He helped me grow in Italy but I am under contract until 2014 and I am happy to remain at AC Milan.”
This could simply be Pato just covering his back by saying he is happy at his current club, but would still be interested in a move to Chelsea should they make a formal offer. We have seen it a million times in the past, a player is publically stating he is happy until a club comes calling with a huge offer, and he’s off. So i think there could still be some hope for Chelsea with Pato.
