Robinho will be hit with a £320,000 fine by Manchester City after storming out of their Tenerife training camp without permission. City’s star player plunged the club into fresh turmoil, following the collapse of a world-record deal for Kaka, after walking out on Mark Hughes’s team to return to his native Brazil.
Mirror Sport has learned that Robinho did not have permission to leave the training camp – despite the player’s claims to the contrary – and he will be fined two weeks’ wages for breaching club discipline.
City, still reeling from their embarrassing failure to land Kaka, are furious with Robinho for his disappearing act and have ordered the 24-year-old to return to Manchester ahead of next week’s Premier League game with Newcastle.
Robinho said he returned to Brazil for family reasons and did so with the full backing of the club. But City executive chairman Garry Cook begged to differ. “No one player is bigger than the club,” said Cook. “What happened with Robinho is disappointing for the team.
“I’ve not spoken to Robinho but I would hope he doesn’t think he’s bigger than the team. That would indicate a change of behaviour because we’ve enjoyed having him at this club.
“Robinho is employed by this club. His job is to play for us and until I see otherwise then I’ll assume that’s the case. But it depends on what the issues are.
“The club has a disciplinary procedure and if Robinho has breached the rules that Mark has laid down them I’m sure he’ll be very disappointed.
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“Mark has some clear guidelines about the discipline of footballers and the roles they play. If Robinho has broken those, then we will manage that internally.”
Robinho (above) is the third of City’s Brazil contingent to be fined in recent weeks and his decision to walk-out is said to be indicative of a growing disillusionment among the influential band of players. Midfielder Elano was fined for publicly criticising Hughes for not picking him, while Jo was also docked two weeks’ wages for going out on the town when he was supposed to be unwell and unable to train.
“I think it’s speculation that it’s a Brazilian issue,” said Cook. “I know Mark has a clear strategy on what he wants and expects from his players, and sometimes that’s an area that challenges him.”
Robinho, who turns 25 on Sunday, claimed City were aware of his intention to return home and tried to stress his commitment to the club.
“I would like to make it clear to the fans what the situation is, so that they can understand my decision to fly home to Brazil,” he said.
“Earlier in the month I made Manchester City aware I needed to return to Brazil, because of a family matter. The club agreed and I was grateful to them for this.
“Up until yesterday it was my understanding that the club had no problem with my plans. I will return to the club and hope to sort out this matter as soon as possible.”
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