Robinho named in Real squad

Schuster shows he wants to keep player

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 23rd August 2008  

Robinho named in Real squad

Robinho: In squad

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Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has given his clearest indication yet that he wants to keep Robinho at the Bernabeu.

He has included the wantaway winger in his 18-man squad for Sunday's Supercopa second leg against Valencia.

His inclusion comes despite the Chelsea target's declaration on Friday that he wanted to leave the club and Real's subsequent announcement that they would not stand in his way of the exit door.

But Schuster has clearly not given up the cause, saying: "I'm convinced that he will stay. Robinho has not told me he won't play tomorrow, he is an important player for us, and we've made that clear.

"I prefer to talk about tomorrow's game, there is no discussion about Robinho.

Perfect condition

"Robinho has been included in the squad because he is in perfect condition. I want to win the title tomorrow for Real Madrid."

His comments come after Madrid president Ramon Calderon confirmed the club would not keep any player against their will.

He wants Robinho to hand in a written transfer request if he wants to leave, but vowed that the club will not sell the player.

This could mean that Robinho would have to buy himself out of his contract to facilitate a move to Chelsea.

"No player will be kept here against their will. This does not mean that Madrid will not defend the interests of the club," Calderon told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

"I'm sure that Robinho has already weighed up the consequences of his decision and I'm sure that in the next few days he will give a letter to the club to announce that he wants to go. If he does not want to be here, he should leave as soon as possible."

But the president hinted Robinho would not necessarily have to pay the full £120million buyout fee.

"I can tell you that Madrid are not going to transfer Robinho. We are not going to sell him.

"If he wants to go, then he should go now. Telling the press about it is not the right way to do things," he added.

"It's not necessarily that he will have to pay the £120million. He would end his contract but the courts will decide what he has to pay."