Pato rules out Sao Paulo stay amid European rumors
As speculation continues of a return to Europe, Alexandre Pato says he will not remain with loan club Sao Paulo.
On-loan Sao Paulo striker Alexandre Pato does not envisage staying at the Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo as rumors of a move away from parent club Corinthians intensify.
The Brazil international sees his loan doal with Sao Paulo expire in January, having left financially troubled Corinthians temporarily in February.
The 26 year-old looks set to leave Corinthians permanently in the near future but the team had yet to find a buyer - Pato reportedly among the club's highest earners.
Amid links with Barcelona and a host of other top European sides, Pato opened the door for a move away from Brazil, stating he would not return to Sao Paulo in 2016.
"I will not stay in Sao Paulo next year. I watched an interview with [interim Sao Paulo president] Leco and he said it is very difficult to sign me," Pato said after Saturday's 3-0 win over Sport Recife. "I want to help Sao Paulo in this final stretch, these five very important games, because I want to put the team into the Copa Libertadores.
"I see no problem. I'm a professional and I have to always do my job. I want to devote my best to them and go on vacation with a feeling of accomplishment."