Alexandre Pato is aiming for a place in the Champions League after returning to European football with Villarreal.
The former Milan forward has been in his native Brazil since leaving Serie A in 2013, save for a brief spell at Chelsea at the end of last season, and wants to play in the continent’s highest competition with the Yellow Submarine.
“I wanted to return to Europe and play in the Champion League again. It’s a great opportunity I didn’t want to miss. I spoke to [Daniele] Bonera, who I played with at Milan, and he spoke very highly of this club,” Pato revealed as he was presented, AS reports.
“The second time I was called, it was with Marcelino and I could chat with the Coach and he convinced me. He said he wants a lot of work and this team and this club is a family.”
AS notes there were 2,000 people at Pato’s presentation, a sizeable proportion of the town of Vila-Real, but the small population of his new home isn’t a concern to Pato.
“I’ve come to a small town but a great club. I’ve lived in London, Milan…but it doesn’t matter. What really gets me is the love, the love of the people and I’m noticing that here,” he continued.
“I want to do very good things for the Villarreal fans. No matter how big the city, what interests me is the love of the supporters.
“I know [Roberto] Soldado and [Cedric] Bakambu are great players, but I want to play with everyone. That’s what the Coach told me and I’ll accept what he decides. I’m very excited to start playing.”
