No show Robinho wants away.
Brazilian flop Robinho has told a South American radio station that he is leaving Manchester Arabia and moving back to Santos on loan.
“The whole board of directors have decided that the best thing is to loan me out, It would be extraordinary to come back to Santos. Playing for Santos would help pave my way to the World Cup, it’s my home, where I know everyone.” - Robinho.
The Brazilian has been in freefall this season, putting in some extremely lackluster performances. Just last week he came on as a substitute against Everton at Goodison Park before being substituted by new manager Roberto Mancini for an outing that was described by the BBC as a ‘model of disinterest from start to finish’
Robinho moved to Man City for a record fee of 32 million pounds on the last day of the transfer window in the summer of 2008. He was a sign of intent from City’s new Arab owners and a complete surprise to awestruck fans who were just coming to terms with the news that they could financially compete with neighbors United.
The player was ever-present in last season’s team and scored 15 goals in his 40 starts, but this season he has been a completely different player. He has spent much of this term injured and his performances since returning have been subject to criticism. The lack of interest and poor performances appear to be because Robinho is no longer seen as first choice at Eastlands.
“The manager was honest with me. He told me I was just going to play every other game. I told him that wouldn’t interest me: this is a World Cup year.” – Robinho
While Robinho says he is leaving, Man City have not confirmed any interest from Santos. Robinho did play and score in Arabia’s 4-2 FA Cup win yesterday but Mancini’s words after the game certainly threw doubt on Robinho staying at City.
“I don’t know what the situation is. He has not spoken with me. But I was happy with him today. I want him to stay, but only if he is happy to stay. I think he will stay here, but in the next few days the situation can change. He wants to play in every game and train every day, but I have to choose from five strikers.” – Mancini speaking after Arabia’s win at Sc**thorpe.
Santos are said to be keen on bringing back Robinho to the club where he started his career, playing 111 games from 2002-2005. It’s unlikely Man City or their fans will miss Robinho as they have a reserve of forwards and a boatload of cash. The last thing Mancini will want is a guy who sulks or refuses to be a team player.
“On November 03, 2008 @ 22:43 sven says:
Robinho is in Italy or back in Spain by January 2011, if not a window sooner, having generally disappointed (based on transfer fee and high expectations, though he’ll have his moments)”
“On September 04, 2008 @ 15:00 Mike Georger says:
i predict a mediocre existence in england for two years then f**king off to italy.”
And they called us crazy!
The best/worst thing about giving Robinho to Santos is that in exchange City would get the right of first refusal on young stars Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso. So in 3 years or so, we get to play this whole “unsettled Brazilian” game all over again.
“The last thing Mancini will want is a guy who sulks or refuses to be a team player.”
He’s already got one of those. Lanky fellow from Togo I believe.
To be fair, some of his highest points have been very high. However, he has been pretty poor all round.
RCM
http://leftbackinthechangingroom.blogspot.com