AC Milan Transfer Talk: Pato Officially Announces That He Is Staying with Club

AC Milan's Alexandre Pato has announced in a Milan press release that he intends to remain with the club.

Speculation has been swirling more rapidly than ever that the 22-year-old Brazilian would be packing his bags and leaving behind the team that brought him to Europe from his home country.

Paris Saint-Germain, led by former Milan managers Carlo Ancellotti and Leonardo were the heaviest linked to Pato and have had two bids recently rejected. Chelsea and Arsenal have also expressed continued interest over the past couple seasons.

There was said to be a falling out between Pato and Milan. His form has dipped this season, scoring only three times in 13 total matches, and many blame his apparent lack of will to play. Some say this is because of his uncertain future at the club, but many more will say it's because of his romance with Barbara Berlusconi, the daughter of Milan owner and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio and a member of the AC Milan Board of Directors.

However, Pato has declared his intention to continue playing for Milan.

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“Milan is my home. I didn’t want to interrupt my Rossoneri career after winning my first two trophies with the club. I want to contribute to writing the history of Milan and the future successes of this club. This joy gives me the will to face all future matches with added enthusiasm and a desire to score and win. Today is a special day for me. I want to thank president Berlusconi, the club and the fans who have always believed in me.”

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The decision could kill speculation that Carlos Tevez is on his way to AC Milan. CEO Adriano Galliani had supposedly been in England finalizing a deal for Tevez from Manchester City as the news from Paris about bids for Pato began to flurry in. When Pato decided he wanted to stay, that ended the chances of Tevez reviving his career at Milan. PSG and Inter may still be interested and hiding in the background, Corinthians have been hopeful all along.

The decision could also mean that Stephan El Shaarawy will remain at the club. Speculation had been mounting that El Shaarawy could be returning to Genoa or moving to Cologne in Germany on loan, but with only Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, and Pato as available regular strikers, Massimilliano Allegri may want to give El Shaarawy more chances in the second half of the season.

The future remains unclear, but what is certain is that Pato will remain at Milan.