Robinho needed counselling, Pele
Brazil legend Pele believes Chelsea are fortunate to have missed out on Robinho because the player ‘needs some serious counselling’. Pele lead a series of stinging attacks on the 24-year-old, reportedly disgusted by Robinho’s dramatic deadline day move to Eastlands where he was lured by the riches of the club’s new Arab owners ahead of a preferred switch to Chelsea.
However, it was later reported that the deal – funded by new City owners Abu Dhabi United Group – was concluded without Robinho taking a medical or even fully understanding the personal terms of his contract.
His old club Santos President, Marcelo Teixeira added: “This is one of the most disgraceful episodes in Brazilian football… He is a player who is an idol to children… But he has not acted like one.”
Jose Fernandos, Santos manager said: “We are ashamed at having produced such a player.”
Even the player’s mother Marina de Souza revealed Robinho had no idea what was happening when he sign late on Monday for City. De Souza, who famoulsy suffered a 40-day kidnap ordeal in Brazil after Robinho’s move to Europe was mooted, ended only after the player offered a substantial ransom fee to release her, told The Mirror: “I don’t think that Robinho even knew what was happening but if it’s best for him, then so be it – i just hope he is happy in England.”
Robinho has defended his move to Manchester City in light of criticism from compatriot Pele, insisting the icon would have made the same choice to leave Real Madrid. “I accept Pele’s criticism as he is the king of football, but if he had been me, he would have done the same,” he said.
“Real did not want to retain me,” he said. “They even used me as a potential exchange to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. But as that negotiation fell through, then they wanted to retain me.”
“I told the president if they didn’t want to count on me, I didn’t want to stay there either,” he added.
“My first goal was to go to Chelsea as it was the only club to have made a formal offer… But Real did not like Chelsea shirts with my name on being sold before sorting out the negotiations.”
“Also, they did not reach the value Real demanded so then Manchester City came in at the last minute to sign me.”
After hearing Real Madrid chief Ramon Calderon’s claims that he was forced to sell Robinho after he started crying in his office and it was clear he had morale issues, the forward said: “I cried when he didn’t let me play at the Olympics and you can check that by asking him. “I didn’t cry to quit. I just told him I didn’t want to stay there any longer so I asked to be transferred.”
Upon his return from international duty in South America, Robinho is expected to make his highly anticipated debut at the City of Manchester Stadium against Chelsea on Sept 13.