Robinho Returns to Manchester City

Manchester City striker Robinho has expressed his desire to stay with Brazilian soccer club Santos. The 26-year-old has been reported saying he has no interest in returning from his loan spell with Santos to Manchester City.

“I think I belong in Brazil more than the Premier League,” Robinho said during a press conference.

The Brazilian has been very vocal about his return to England and to a club where he knows he is not wanted, making him profoundly unhappy.

Robinho told reporters after playing his final game at Santos's Vila Belmiro stadium,

“It's not easy to convince the English to agree a deal, but I trust the leaders of Santos to be successful. My agents have received several offers from clubs in Europe, but everything is on hold until Santos meet City.” Concluding with, “I hope this is not goodbye.”

Robinho was allowed to join Santos on loan in January after a difficult start to the 2009-10 season with Manchester City. He joined City from Real Madrid for a record fee of $51 million U.S. But after two seasons at City, Robinho’s poor performance came under fire from fans and media. The Brazilian expressed his unhappiness with the club and asked to leave.

Robinho’s loan with Santos expires August 4. He has very few options, but a return to City; his high salary has cancelled out a bid from Santos. The Brazilian has to return to Coach Roberto Mancini, someone he has accused of managing with a “lack of ability.”