Escape from Manchester: Robinho flees to Santos

When Robinho’s agents started sending out feelers towards the end of last year, it soon became evident that young talent’s star was fading. Chelsea were nowhere to be seen. Barcelona, although rumoured to be lining up a loan bid, never made their interest official. Even Benfica were hesitant about investing on the player Pele himself once proclaimed as his natural successor. With his reputation in tatters, his ego deflated and not a sympathetic ear this side of the Atlantic, Robinho’s minders began looking for redemption in the mother country. Step forward Santos – Robinho’s first professional club where he is still revered, having bagged 46 goals in 111 appearances over three seasons.

Robinho is returning to the Brazilian heavyweights (which is also Pele’s former club) on a six-month loan that will expire prior to the World Cup. With Manchester City rumoured to be paying a hefty chunk of the player’s wages in exchange for first dibs on Santos talents Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso, club president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro is obviously elated with his returning hero.

Having seen Robinho turn his back on the club in 2005, Ribeiro never thought he would see the talented youngster return to Estadio Vila Belmiro. With the dream becoming a reality, the move is a winner for all parties involved: Robinho gets the opportunity to play regularly; Santos welcome back one of their lost sons; and City lose a dressing room troublemaker. Perhaps Robinho will return to Eastlands next season with renewed enthusiasm, having rediscovered his love for the beautiful game under the familiar environs of the Sao Paulo sun. But more likely, the loan deal is City’s way of putting the little genius back in the shop window without having to put up with him in the team.

Robinho returns to his roots in search of redemption

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