Pato joins Tianjin
By Xinhua (China Daily) Updated: 2017-02-01 07:41Former Brazil international striker Alexandre Pato has joined Tianjin Quanjian from Villarreal in a deal reportedly worth $25 million.
The 27-year-old agreed to personal terms with the Chinese Super League club on Monday after completing a medical in Rome, where the squad is currently in preseason training.
Pato confirmed the move by posting a photo on Twitter alongside Tianjin Quanjian coach Fabio Cannavaro.
"I'm very happy to be a part of this new family at Tianjin Quanjian," Pato said in the post.
Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, who joined the Chinese club from Zenit Saint-Petersburg on Jan 3, was among the first to welcome the former AC Milan prodigy.
"Welcome to Tianjin Quanjian, my friend," Witsel tweeted.
Pato struggled for consistency at Villarreal, scoring just six times in 24 appearances after his arrival from Corinthians in July.
Tianjin Quanjian already has Brazilian forwards Luis Fabiano and Geuvanio in its lineup. The club earned promotion to the Chinese Super League after winning last year's second division title.
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