Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has decided to quit Corinthians, the club he joined only recently from the Italian giants. Pato has decided to take this drastic action after violent attacks were carried out by fans at the training ground.

The 24-year-old striker had to take refuge in the dressing room along with several of his teammates in order to avoid harm. Corinthians’ fans have become increasingly impatient with Pato and a few other players, who they think have been the reason for the club decline in recent years.

Since winning the Club World Cup in 2012, Corinthians have not reached the same level again. They have gone through several managers, while also recently bringing in former Brazilian national team manager Mano Menezes.

Pato’s desire to move away from Corinthians is believed to be solely caused by the reaction of the fans, and was widely tipped. He has moved to São Paulo on a loan deal till the end of the season, while the former club of Neymar will receive Jadson in exchange. Jadson’s move to São Paulo, though, is on a permanent basis.

Corinthians will continue to pay half of Pato’s wages and it is still unclear whether the deal would be made permanent or not. The 24-year-old has been recently linked with a return to European football with the likes of Tottenham showing interest in him. “The clubs, Corinthians and Sao Paulo, have signed the contract and it just remains for the players to sign,” said a statement on the Corinthians site.

The Brazilian international was once regarded as a replacement for Ronaldo at international level, but a spate of injuries have prevented him from reaching this level. He still has several years left in him to once again rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after youngsters in the world.