Manchester City Football Club News

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

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Robinho rejects rift rumours

20 Jan 2009 - 14:11:40

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Manchester City ace Robinho has dismissed reports suggesting that he stormed out of a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife due to an argument with boss Mark Hughes.

The 24-year-old Brazil international was rumoured to be unhappy with the failure of the Citizens to wrap up a world record move for AC Milan ace Kaka, but Robinho insists that that is not the case.

He told BBC Sport: "I had made Manchester City aware that I needed to return to Brazil because of a family matter.

"I will return to the club and hope to sort this out as soon as possible.

"I feel it is important to underline that I did not return to Brazil because of the Kaka deal.

"He is one of my good friends and it would have been great to see him at Manchester City, but it had nothing to do with his decision to stay in Milan.

"I am committed to helping Manchester City become the force the owners assured me they will become."

Citizens executive chairman Garry Cook had earlier told BBC Radio Five Live: "I do know Robinho is not at the training centre in Tenerife.

"If he has left the training ground it is a breach of club discipline. I am waiting for a full debrief."

Robinho has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for City since his £32.5million arrival from Real Madrid earlier this season.