Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Hughes: No Robinho problem

26 Mar 2009 - 08:44:01

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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has rubbished suggestions of a rift with star striker Robinho.

Hughes has substituted the British transfer record £32million Brazilian forward on several occasions in recent weeks following below-par displays.

But despite reports of unrest between the pair and a possible summer departure for the former Real Madrid star, Hughes claims all is well in his relationship with last summer's marquee signing.

"There is a perception out there about myself and Robinho and that everything is doom and gloom and the dressing room is fractured," he told BBC Radio FiveLive.

"The truth is a lot calmer than a lot of people would imagine."

Meanwhile, Hughes has defended City's mega-rich Abu Dhabi-based owners after the criticism which followed their ill-fated £100million pursuit of AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka in January.

The record-breaking transfer was described as "obscene" by some observers.

"In the current climate, people will look at those amounts and think it should not happen but the football business is different to others," he added.

"The money is there and it doesn't look like it is going to go away soon. We are part of that."