Alexandre Pato will be a success at Chelsea, says former Arsenal midfielder Edu

Edu is now director of football at Corinthians

Alexandre Pato has joined Chelsea for the rest of the season (Getty Images)

Former Arsenal midfielder Edu says that he has no doubts Alexandre Pato will be a success at Chelsea.

The 26-year-old Pato joined the Blues on loan from Corinthians for the rest of the season following previous spells with Internacional, Sao Paulo and AC Milan.

Edu, who won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2004 and who is now director of football at Corinthians, says that the striker is now injury-free.

“Injuries are not a problem any more. We did a good job with him here and he improved a lot on the pitch," the 37-year-old told The Sun.

“I think he can be a success in the Premier League. Everyone is disappointed with how it turned out with Pato.

“But he has no injuries, so I think he will be good for Chelsea. He could play in the Premier League for many years.

“It is hard to compare him to other players but he is a big talent. He has matured. Maybe that can help him. He has changed in his mind a bit.

“I think he is mature enough now to understand this change at Chelsea. To be in the mentality of the club.

“Many clubs wanted him but the last word is the player’s word.

“When Chelsea came to talk to us and gave us the opportunity to start the negotiations, Pato said he wanted to go to the Premier League.”