Pato to End Career at Internacional

If someone asked you where you think Alexandre Pato will be playing in ten years, what would you say?

Unless you said Internacional, you're wrong.

ESPNSoccernet is reporting that the 20 year old Milan striker has ruled out a move away from the San Siro for at least the next four years, the duration of his contract. Speculation on the star's future have swirled ever since last summer, when former manager Carlo Ancelotti left Milan for Chelsea in the Premier League. Pato once again denied reports that he would be moving to Stamford Bridge. Reports have also recently swelled regarding a swap with FC Barcelona in which the Catalan giants would send Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the San Siro in the red and black rather than the blue and black which he donned for Inter Milan through 2009.

"My sole aim is to be ready for the restart of training with AC Milan on July 20," says Pato. "I have a contract with AC Milan until 2014 and I have every intention of respecting it."

After that, the Brazilian announced plans for the end of his career.

"And in 10 years, I will return to Brazil to end my career at Internacional, the club which belongs to my heart."

After he was denied by his childhood club Grêmio, their rivals Internacional were able to convince Pato to switch fan loyalties and play for them.

He joined the youth system at age 11 and in 2006 made his senior team debut. He scored six goals in ten appearances before being sold to Milan for nearly $28 million US.