Berlusconi denies Pato influence

AC Milan director Barbara Berlusconi says she played no part in the collapse of Alexandre Pato’s proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Pato, 22, appeared set to join the Ligue 1 leaders in January after Milan accepted a bid from the Qatari-owned French club for the Brazilian forward.

Pato then surprised many by rejecting the move and publicly reiterating his commitment to Milan, prompting speculation that he had decided to stay in order to remain close to Berlusconi, whom he is reported to be in a relationship with.

Berlusconi, 26, the daughter of club owner and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio, claims she had no influence in Pato’s decision.

“I deliberately kept out of negotiations with PSG for Pato,” Berlusconi told La Repubblica.

“The decisions made by my father and (Milan CEO) Adriano Galliani were triggered by technical and economic assessments.”

Pato has been out of action since suffering a muscle strain in last month’s Coppa Italia win over Novara.

He resumed training this week and could feature in Wednesday’s Champions League round-of-16 first leg clash with Arsenal at San Siro.