Brazil star Robinho insists he is happy with Manchester City, despite a club-versus-country row.
Brazilian does not want club-versus-country row
Brazil star Robinho insists he is happy with Manchester City, despite a club-versus-country row and continued speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.
The 25-year-old is at the centre of an argument concerning his ankle injury and City are upset that he did not return to a training base in Abu Dhabi after joining his international team-mates in Qatar as they prepare a friendly with England.
Robinho has ruled himself out of Saturday's game against the Three Lions, but his failure to make the short trip back to City's camp has added to speculation that he is not enjoying his time with the Premier League club.
However, the former Real Madrid ace insists that is not the case, while he does not want to be the cause of friction between City and Brazil, who insist they are within their rights to keep the player.
He said via an official interpreter: "I am so happy with my club. People talk a lot but the truth is I'm trying to be happy to play again.
Obligation
"It is important that I do a good job for my club so I can play for my country.
"My club pays me but I always want to be with the national team when they meet up and I don't want a problem with my club or the national team."
Robinho added: "My obligation is to be here, and it's supported by Fifa. The people who need to understand each other are the Brazil national team and the club, not the player.
"When I am with Brazil it is like being back at home and being with your family."
When asked about reports linking him to Barcelona, Robinho said: "My father represents me and my father has never given any interviews. I don't want to be in the middle of any problems with anybody."
Dunga demands
Meanwhile, Brazil coach Dunga has urged City to 'show respect' to the five-times world champions after club doctor Jamie Butler was charged with the task of bringing Robinho back to Abu Dhabi.
Dunga said through a translator: "People need to know we are the five-times world champions. It is Brazil we are talking about.
"They (City) have got to have respect for us. They just can't come to the team hotel and try and take the player (Robinho) away. There is a hierarchy here that needs to be respected.
"We brought Robinho here so the doctors can be near to him and they are famous for getting the players fit quickly."
