Robinho in Chelsea admission

But Brazilian defends move to Eastlands

Last updated: 4th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Robinho in Chelsea admission

Robinho: Chelsea were first goal

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Manchester City new boy Robinho has admitted his first intention was to move to Chelsea, but a number of issues led to Real Madrid calling the move off.

The 24-year-old caused the biggest shock of transfer deadline day when he moved to Eastlands, setting a new British transfer record in the process.

City - bankrolled by prospective new owners the Abu Dhabi United Group - stepped in to steal the skilful Brazilian from under the noses of the Blues.

Robinho claims Chelsea's conduct in chasing his services, including selling shirts bearing the Brazilian's name, led to Real pulling the plug on any move.

"My first goal was to go to Chelsea as it was the only club to have made a formal offer," said Robinho. "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."

Criticism

Robinho also responded to reports Pele has criticised him for joining City, insisting the Brazil icon would have done the same.

Pele is reported to have said Robinho "needs some serious counselling" as he had been "badly advised" by people close to him.

However, Robinho has hit back at the criticism and stressed the move to Eastlands is the right one.

"I accept Pele's criticism as he is the king of football, but if he had been me, he would have done the same," said Robinho.

"Real did not want to retain me. They even used me as a potential exchange to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. But as that negotiation fell through, they wanted to retain me then.

"If they didn't want to count on me, I didn't want to stay there either, so that is what I told the president."

Cried

Robinho conceded Real not releasing him to play at the Olympic Games was one of the main reasons why he quit the Spanish side to join City.

The Primera Liga giants denied the forward the chance to play in Beijing last month claiming the Brazilian had an injury, but the forward became angry with the club's board and asked president Ramon Calderon for a move away from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"I cried when he (Calderon) didn't let me play at the Olympics and you can check that by asking him," added Robinho.

"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."