Brazil striker Pato quits AC Milan for Corinthians

Brazil striker Alexandre Pato has ended his injury-plagued stay with AC Milan and returned home to sign with Corinthians. Both Milan and Corinthians announced

Alexandre Pato had been with AC Milan since 2007 :: Antonio Calanni/AP

Brazil striker Alexandre Pato has ended his injury-plagued stay with AC Milan and returned home to sign with Corinthians.

Both Milan and Corinthians announced the move on their websites late Thursday.

Corinthians will reportedly pay Milan a ?15 million ($19.65 million) transfer fee with Pato agreeing to a four-year contract.

Since joining Milan in August 2007 at the age of 17, Pato has had 16 injuries, mostly muscular problems, and missed large chunks of nearly every season.

He scored 63 goals in 150 matches in all competitions with Milan, but this season fell behind Stephen El Shaarawy as a first-choice forward.

Pato said on Milan's website that he's leaving "to have the chance of playing with continuity.''

Milan is also in talks to sell Brazil striker Robinho to Santos.