Robinho reveals Real disappointment

AC Milan forward Robinho has revealed that he simply had to leave Real Madrid once the club decided they wanted to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Robinho joined Madrid from Santos in the summer of 2005 but was sold to Manchester City for a then-British record fee of £32.5 million three years later.

The 28-year-old now plays at AC Milan and helped the Italians win the Scudetto last season, but Robinho still regrets the manner in which he left the Bernabeu.

"I had some great moments there, but my farewell was a disappointment," Robinho told band.com.

"Real wanted to buy someone else [Cristiano Ronaldo] and all of a sudden they were no longer interested in me.

"I feel really sorry for the way I left Madrid, but the fans don't always understand what happens in these cases.

"The deal eventually fell through [although they signed Ronaldo a year later] and the club was not happy. I did not feel valued and wanted to leave."

Robinho's successor at Madrid, Ronaldo has also found that life in Madrid has its ups and downs despite an incredible goal scoring record at the club.

The Portuguese had become a target for criticism by some sections of Madrid's demanding fans this season.