Moscow, January 4 (R-Sport) - Corinthians have bought Milan forward Alexandre Pato for €15 million, the Brazilian team announced on its website.

Pato, 23, returns to his native Brazil after five-and-a-half years with Milan, where he scored 63 goals in 150 appearances and won the Serie A title in 2011.

“The Corinthians bought 100 percent of the rights of Alexandre Pato for 15 million euros,” Corinthians said on a website statement.

“In the coming days, Pato will undergo medical tests and sign a contract for four seasons.”

Pato missed the start of the season with a thigh injury and then struggled for playing time against stiff competitions from forwards Stephan El Shaarawy, Robinho, Giampaolo Pazzini and on-loan Bojan Krkic.

He spent only seven matches this season and named insufficient game practice as the main reason for his decision to change the team.

“I’m going to Brazil to Corinthians, so I will be able to play regularly,” Pato said on Milan's website.

“However, it will be difficult to forget Milan. I will be always devoted to the colors and fans of Rossoneri.”

Pato, who took the Olympic silver with the national team in London, has 20 caps and nine goals.