Pato, once touted as an emerging talent, has endured a blighted spell at AC Milan and other clubs prior to his recent transfer to Tianjin Quanjian. (Photo : Getty Images)
Enigmatic Brazilian forward Pato, once the darling of the European sports press for his showing of massive potential, embarks on another journey to his career by joining Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian from Spanish outfit Villarreal for £15.5 million.
Pato posted the transfer news on Twitter with a picture posing with his new manager Fabio Cannavaro, a World Cup-winning defender with Italy who plied his legendary trade with Real Madrid and Juventus.
Pato, an ex-AC Milan and Chelsea striker, is set to be linked with midfielder Axel Witsel, who moved to the club earlier this year from Russian side Zenit Saint-Petersburg.
Witsel, once among the hottest European names who struck the fancy of Manchester United and Juventus, was among the first to welcome Pato to the team, who is set to earn more than £100,000 weekly in Tianjin Quanjian.
Despite being named Europe's best player in 2009, injuries have blighted Pato's AC Milan career, with his flashes of skill winning him the adulation of San Siro's faithful. He ended his five-year spell with the Rossoneri by returning to Brazil with Corinthians, leaving a reputation for being too fragile on the pitch.
Pato's time at Corinthians, however, saw him struggle in maintaining consistent performances, his frequent injuries in the past affecting his vaunted technical abilities and agile movement.
Last season, Pato sought to revive his European career through an unsuccessful loan spell to Chelsea.
Antonio Conte's appointment as Chelsea manager quickly deemed Pato as surplus to the club's requirements, leading the forward to move to La Liga via Villarreal.
Pato's Villarreal sojourn, however, remained erratic at best with a series of lackluster performances.
Now, Pato looks forward to a revival of footballing fortunes with Tianjin Quanjian, which just got promoted to the Chinese Super League last season.
Two other Brazilian forwards will link up with Pato in Tianjin Quanjian: Geuvanio and Luis Fabiano.
Curious as to what to expect from Pato at Tianjin Quanjian? Watch the striker's best performances during the 2016-2017 season via WorldOfFootballHD below:
