Manchester City forward Robinho has reiterated his desire to prolong his stay at loan club Santos.
Happiness is key to City player, who wants to remain in Brazil
Manchester City forward Robinho has reiterated his desire to prolong his stay at loan club Santos.
The Brazilian, a £32.5million Premier League record buy from Real Madrid, fell out of favour at Eastlands after the arrival of boss Roberto Mancini in December.
Robinho had not been performing under Mancini's predecessor Mark Hughes either, prompting the January switch to his homeland where he has rediscovered his scoring touch.
Motivated by his desire to earn a place in Brazil's World Cup squad, Robinho has netted five goals in eight games for the club he started his career at. He also showed English fans he is back to his best by scoring one and making the other as Brazil beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in a friendly last week, and he admits his new-found happiness is key to his form.
Robinho has previously admitted his reluctance to go back to England when the six-month loan expires, but has now voiced his desire to remain in his homeland with the club he openly calls 'home.'
"I intend to continue for long. I hope that the board is already addressing this issue," said the 26-year-old.
All smiles
"You just have to look at my face to see my desire to stay at the club. It was the right choice (to come). I'm good physically and mentally. I hope to continue like this.
"Where I have to be happiest is within the four lines of the pitch, and this is happening."
Robinho was often left on the bench by Mancini and in his last Premier League appearance he came on early for the injured Roque Santa Cruz and suffered the ignominy of then being hauled off himself with barely an hour gone.
Mancini is aware of Robinho's desire to stay at Santos but said the door is still open for him to see out the rest of his City contract and have another shot at becoming a Premier League success.
"It depends," the City boss told
Sky Sports. "I hope so (he comes back).
"For him it was important that he went to Brazil so that he can play in the World Cup and if he wants to come back, I'm happy.
"He played very well for the national team against Ireland, and I am very happy for him and for his future."
Robinho sensationally arrived at City from Real Madrid on transfer deadline-day in September 2008 after the Eastlands club ended their long pursuit of his compatriot Kaka.
Spectacular
Kaka is now plying his trade with Robinho's former club but has come under scrutiny following Real's early exit from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Spanish giants fell foul of Lyon, but Robinho has leapt to the defence of his fellow-Brazilian, claiming his nationality is the reason Kaka is being made a scapegoat.
"Kaka is a spectacular player, one of the best in the world," said Robinho.
"Unfortunately, at Real Madrid, when things do not go well, the foreign players are the most criticised. It happened to me and to all the foreigners who are there.
"But Kaka has to keep his head in the right place. I'm sure he'll come out on top and make a lot of success at Real.
"And I hope he can explode with me in the World Cup in South Africa, if we are there."
