Chronicle Editor
Milan — Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, has arrived in Italy ahead of completing a record transfer move to AC Milan, Italian media reported on Sunday.
“I’m very happy to be here, I chose Milan because of their history,” Paqueta told journalists at the airport.
The Serie A giants are reported to have agreed a €35 million deal with Flamengo — the club Paqueta joined as a 10-year-old — in what would be the most expensive signing of a Brazilian by an Italian club.
Paqueta scored 10 goals to help Flamengo finish second in the Brazilian championship which has just ended, and bid a tearful farewell after his last game at the Maracana Stadium.
I will be eternally grateful to this club,” said the 21-year-old, who is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Brazilian stars Kaka and Leonardo who made their names at AC Milan.
Leonardo — now AC Milan’s sporting director — pushed through the move with Flamengo receiving 70 percent of the €35 million transfer fee and the remainder to be divided between the player and the Brazilian federation. Paqueta, who has two caps for Brazil and can play both midfield and as a forward, is reported to have agreed a five-year deal worth €1.5 million per season.
He will be in the stands for Sunday evening’s Serie A game against Torino in the San Siro and will undergo a medical early next week.
Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan are fourth in Serie A and can pull within a point of third-placed city rivals Inter Milan with a win against Torino.
— ATP.
derick.khumalo