Villarreal complete signing of Chelsea flop Alexandre Pato from Corinthians

Alexandre Pato will have another chance to prove his worth in European football, as Villarreal have agreed to sign him from Corinthians in a four-year deal. The former AC Milan striker failed to make the impact expected during his loan spell at Chelsea last season, but will enjoy a new opportunity to rescue his career in a Champions League club with the Yellow Submarine.

The 26-year-old forward was at one time considered the most exciting prospect in Brazilian football. However, a number of injuries during his time at Milan hampered his progress, forcing him to move back to his homeland in 2013.

The striker regained form last year during a loan spell at Sao Paulo, earning himself a switch to Chelsea during the January mercato. The Blues were said to have an option to secure his services permanently at the end of the season, but on 1 July announced his departure, along with those of Radamel Falcao and Marco Amelia, after the trio's contracts at Stamford Bridge expired.

The Brazilian made just two appearances under Guus Hiddink during the second part of the season, despite scoring a goal on his debut against Aston Villa.

However, Villarreal have now opted to take a gamble on the Brazilian after agreeing his transfer from Corinthians.

The club have not disclosed the details of the agreement, but reports in Brazil claim they have paid around £2.5m ($3.3m) for 60% of his economic rights.

Pato will now have a chance to prove himself in the Champions League, after the Yellow Submarine ended the 2015-2016 season in the fourth place in La Liga. However, he will have stiff competition to secure a regular spot in Marcelino Garcia Toral's side due to the presence of Cedric Bakambu and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Roberto Soldado.