Pato wants Milan stay

AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato has quashed reports of an imminent move to Paris Saint-Germain by declaring that he is staying at San Siro.

Reports claimed that Serie A champions Milan had accepted a 35-million-euro bid from the Ligue 1 outfit for the Brazil international, who was recently rumoured to have had a falling out with Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri.

However, Pato stated on his current club’s official website on Thursday that he has no intention of leaving.

“Milan is my home,” the 22-year-old striker stated. “I did not want to interrupt my career with the Rossoneri after winning my first two trophies with this shirt.”

“I want to contribute to the history of Milan and to the future success of this club with joy and in perfect harmony with everything around me.”

“This joy will give me the energy to face the future matches with more enthusiasm and a greater desire to win and to score.”

“Today is a special day for me. I thank president (Silvio) Berlusconi, the club and fans who have always believed in me.”

Pato’s revelation has come as a surprise, with PSG sporting director Leonardo having spoken optimistically about signing his compatriot earlier in the day.

“On Pato, things are moving forward,” he claimed during a press conference heralding the arrival of Maxwell from Barcelona.

“There are some possibilities but we don’t have an agreement yet.”

Pato, who has been capped 18 times by his country, has scored 51 goals in 111 games for Milan since arriving from Internacional in 2007.