Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink revealed striker Alexandre Pato has been "suffering" to prove his match fitness ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in January.
The Brazilian scored on his debut in the 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, and Hiddink said the players were happy to see him on the scoresheet after his fitness problems, per Chelsea’s official Twitter account:
Guus says the players saw Pato suffering with his fitness when he arrived, and were happy for him to get his goal today. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 2, 2016
Hiddink selected Loic Remy as the sole striker at Villa Park in the absence of the suspended Diego Costa, but an injury to the Frenchman gave Pato his chance.