Football
ESPN staff 8y

Brazil's Alexandre Pato aims to remain at Chelsea under Antonio Conte

Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato has said he is still hopeful of a permanent move to Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old arrived at Chelsea on loan from Corinthians in January, and he has made two appearances for the club so far, scoring his first goal in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa and earning his first start in a 1-0 loss to Swansea City a week later.

Although he did not play in Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City, Pato said he still hopes to remain on after the season ends.

"I feel that my body and mind are strong. My aim is to stay here in Europe and continue at Chelsea," he told ESPN in Brazil. "When Guus [Hiddink] gave me the chance to play I was very happy. Scoring that goal was a weight off my shoulders but I know that I still need more games to show my value."

Pato said he was grateful to Chelsea for giving him a chance to test himself in a bigger league and added that his goal is to remain with the club when incoming manager Antonio Conte takes over.

"I feel that my body and mind are strong. My aim is to stay here in Europe and continue at Chelsea," he said. 

Pato said he backs Conte to make a significant overhaul of the squad and improve performance.

"Conte will do very well here," he added. "He's a coach who has a real desire to win. He revolutionised Juventus, winning a lot. I am sure that it will be the same here with Chelsea and he will sign the players Chelsea need."

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