Santos deal is almost done - Robinho

Posted Monday, January 25, 2010 by PA

Manchester City striker Robinho is convinced he has played his last game for the club and will be heading back to Brazil after signing off with the final goal in the 4-2 FA Cup win at Scunthorpe.

While City officials remain reluctant to discuss the issue and boss Roberto Mancini insists he wants the player to stay so long as he is happy, Robinho says he is "90%" certain he is returning to Santos. The Brazilian club claim discussions have already taken place, with the sticking point being City's desire for any club which takes Robinho to pay a sizeable proportion of the player's weekly wages, which are well in excess of £100,000.

Robinho told TV Globo: "It's all on the right track. Santos are looking at the duration of my loan. Santos want a year, but City want just six months. It's 90% certain. In two or three days it should be sealed."

Reports suggest Robinho, who joined City in a £32.5million move in 2008, is set to take a pay cut to move back to Santos, with the Barclays Premier League club agreeing to pay at least part of his wages.

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has also revealed that the deal struck with City could allow the Barclays Premier League outfit first refusal on talented youngsters Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar.

He said: "They want the first choice to buy the two boys. That does not bother us because we will sell the players for the best offer. If City have the conditions to match the offer, they can have the players."

Meanwhile Mancini preferred to sing the praises of Robinho's fellow Brazilian Sylvinho, whose performance at Glanford Park - capped by a 35-yard screamer - could put him in the frame for Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester United.

Mancini said: "Sylvinho is a great player to have in the squad - he sets an example to everyone.

"It's good to have someone like him that can change position if we need, and he had to in the second half. It was a fantastic strike by him and I'm pleased for him for all the hard work he puts into the squad."