Brazilian prodigy Pato joins AC Milan

Pato has also been linked with Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid in recent months, but the long drawn race to sing the youngster has come to an end.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract worth 2 million euros per season with AC Milan, but will not play competitively for the club until January 2008.

The club revealed: “The great talent Alexandre Pato will train with Milan and will be able to play the friendly matches starting from the 3rd of September 2007.

“From the 3rd of January 2008 onwards, he will also be able to play in the official games.”