Robinho tipped to stay at Real
19 Jul 2008 - 17:23:31
Robinho's agent believes the Brazilian will still be a Real Madrid player next season, but insists Barcelona and Chelsea have expressed their interest in signing the 24-year-old.
Barcelona have denied they have made any contact with Robinho while the player has said a move to Stamford Bridge would interest him.
However, agent Wagner Ribeiro told Catalan radio station Onda FM: "I don't have an offer from Barca. But a director from the club called me to see how things are going with the player.
"I told him that there was a firm offer from Chelsea for 40million euros but that (Madrid president) Ramon Calderon didn't want to transfer him. I am a man and I don't lie and the director who called me is (Barca scout) Pepe Costa.
"I think it is difficult for Robinho to move to Chelsea and even more so to Barcelona because of the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.
"I told (Madrid sporting director) Pedja Mijatovic that Barca called me but it's as if Real Madrid wanted to sign Leo Messi."
Earlier in the day Barcelona board member Rafael Yuste had told Spain's Sport newspaper: "I don't know anything about Barca having talked with Robinho.
"Moreover, we have a pact of no aggression between the two clubs so no-one could have done so and we will continue respecting it."
Robinho was reportedly the subject of a £48million bid by Chelsea for his services earlier this week, while the player has also been linked with a move to Manchester United as part of any deal that would see Cristiano Ronaldo head to Real.
