chuu 23-8- 2008 04:21 PM
Robinho: I want to leave for the Premier League
Real Madrid's want-away winger Robinho has told the Spanish press that he wants to leave the club and join Chelsea.
[img=275,200]http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/rob_275_AFP.jpg[/img]Picture/AFP
Robinho: Points the way to the Premier League?
Robinho told [i]EFE[/i]:'Staying at Real Madrid is not my objective for the season. My wish isto play in the English League, Chelsea have a great squad, a greatteam, it will be a good deal for me and the club.'
'It's not forthe money, it's simply that I want to play in the English League. I'vecompleted a cycle, I've played three seasons at Real Madrid and I'vegiven everything.
'I've scored goals and we've won two leagues,which isn't easy. I believe my time at Real Madrid is at an end. I hopethat the directors come to an agreement with Chelsea to resolve thesituation as quickly as possible.
'Every player is different. Ihave my own personality and character. I haven't spoken to the pressbefore to avoid controversy, but now I'm telling the truth. I want toleave.'
Earlier, Spanish media reports claimed a fee of£32million had been quoted by Real Madrid. And the player's agent,Wagner Ribiero, has confirmed Real could be ready to sell.
It isbelieved Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has now flown out toSpain to thrash out the final details of the transfer, pulling out of atrip to the Olympics.
Ribeiro said: 'The president said toRobinho that if a 40 million euros (£32million) offer appears, he wouldlet him leave. So I have to say that until Aug 31 everything ispossible. Until the transfer window is closed, I can't say whereRobinho will play this season.
'Robinho never said that hewasn't comfortable at Real Madrid but the thing is that he has afinancial offer that is very interesting, it's only that.'
Robinhois desperate for a move to London and it now seems likely the deal willbeat the deadline, which for English clubs runs until September 1. Hewas upset by stories which claimed he would be sold to fund a move forCristiano Ronaldo and also by the club's decision to block hisparticipation at this month's Olympic Games.
It seems unlikelythat Chelsea would continue their pursuit of AC Milan midfielder Kakashould the Robinho deal come to fruition - especially if, as now seemslikely, Andrei Shevchenko's return to the San Siro falls through.
Theaddition of Robinho will come as a boost to a side which has fewoptions up front with Didier Drogba thought to be on the treatmenttable for another month at least due to his knee injury.
AlthoughSalomon Kalou is now back from the Olympics he has struggled to scoreconsistently, so with Scolari reluctant to use Shevchenko he has onlyNicolas Anelka to rely on up front.
