Chelsea fans could be forgiven for failing to recognise Alexandre Pato when he finally makes his Stamford Bridge debut, after a team-mate's dressing-room selfie revealed the superstar Brazilian's moustachioed new look.

Pato joined the Blues on loan in January but has yet to feature in a competitive game, with manager Guus Hiddink saying the former AC Milan forward needed to undergo a rigorous training programme akin to pre-season conditioning work before he is considered for selection.

It seems as though the 26-year-old has spent more time working his way to full fitness than shaving, as a photo emerged on Willian's Instagram account showing Pato emulating many an 80s footballer and donning some serious facial hair.

Willian's Instagram post showed Chelsea team-mate Alexandre Pato and his new moustache

Like his new moustache, it remains to be seen whether Pato can make the cut in the Premier League after several years in the wilderness and Brazil legend Zico has emphasised the importance of the one-time prodigy's spell in England.

Zico, who met up with Chelsea's Brazilian contingent at their Cobham training base this week, told the Blues' official website: 'It's a fantastic opportunity for him.

'You could even call it a golden opportunity. He's a player who has had ups and downs but he is a top-quality player and I think he will settle at Chelsea and do very well, which will also be very good for the national team.

'When Pato broke through, he was considered the jewel of Brazilian football. He moved to Milan and was doing very well but then injuries came along and unfortunately he really suffered with them. Now he has another chance to prove his quality at Chelsea and get back to his best.'

Pato still has some way to go if he is aiming to fashion a moustache to the standard of David Seaman's

Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush was another strong advocate of the moustachioed look

And across the Mersey, Neville Southall boasted a fluffy top lip for the duration of his career