In January 2013, Pato returned to his native Brazil after five-and-a-half years in Italy. He signed for Corinthians and more recently had a very successful loan spell with their city rivals Sao Paulo.

‘I went to Brazil to learn more about my body and my physique: what to do before training, during training, after training, even after the match,’ explains Pato of his decision to return home.

‘I learned a lot about myself and how to look after myself, and now Chelsea have opened the doors to me for this opportunity, I am very happy to be back in Europe.’

Yesterday Pato’s new manager, Guus Hiddink, said a decision was still to be made regarding our no.11’s availability for the trip to Watford tonight, specifying the levels of physical and mental preparation required by any newcomer to this most demanding of leagues. Pato insists he will be ready to contribute when called upon. It is his enduring motto as he considers the months ahead at Chelsea.

‘I feel very good physically. Obviously as a player you need game time to be at your best but I feel prepared, I have been training well, and hopefully with games and time I can adapt.

‘I have heard a lot about the Premier League and I had the chance to play against English opposition when I was at AC Milan, including Chelsea. It’s a different league, very hard, very physical, with a lot of contact, and hopefully with my pace and my ability I will be able to help the team. I’m hoping to contribute a lot and have a great time here.

‘I know I only have a few months until the end of the season but what I can promise is that I am prepared to do my best, and I am prepared to play to the best of my ability to help during the few months left of the campaign.’

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