Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 6y

Robinho wants to return to Manchester City to watch Gabriel Jesus score

Former Manchester City forward Robinho says he wants to go back to his old club and watch their latest Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus.

Robinho was the first signing at City following the takeover by billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour, joining on deadline day in 2008 for a then-British transfer record of £32.5 million.

The former Brazil international stayed at City for just 18 months but says he regrets not being able to win a trophy during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Now with Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, Robinho says Sheikh Mansour made it clear to him that he wanted to build the best team in the world and the 33-year-old feels that is now possible under Pep Guardiola.

"I need to go to Manchester and see a Gabriel Jesus goal. Phwoar, what a player -- strong, fast, a big hope for Brazil," Robinho told the Daily Mail. 

"When I arrived, Micah Richards told me the world would now start taking City seriously. Before that people did not respect City. But now the Blues were coming.

"I spoke a few times with the owner Sheikh Mansour. He told me he was going to go big to get Kaka and Lionel Messi. Kaka was close. But Messi... I think Messi was beyond them.

"But I believed in the project. The Sheikh had the ambition to create the best team in the world and now look at them. They have the best manager in the world in Pep Guardiola and can go toe-to-toe with anyone."

Robinho returned to Santos in January 2010 on loan because he felt he needed to be certain of securing a place in Brazil's squad for the World Cup in South Africa.

Brazil legend Pele had identified Robinho as his heir apparent and while many feel his career has not been as good as it could have been, he went onto make 100 appearances for the Selecao.

"I know some people expected me to be a Ballon d'Or winner," Robinho said. "When Pele talks about you, people listen. People made those comparisons but there is no new Pele, not now, not ever. He is the greatest.

"I do think I fulfilled my potential. In every team I played I have been a champion -- except for City. If you ask my one regret, it is that I could not bring those City fans a trophy. That's the only thing that leaves me a little sad."

Robinho won the La Liga title twice with Real Madrid as well as Serie A with AC Milan.

He enjoyed his time in Italy but says Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand was among the best players he ever faced.

"Italy was the hardest league to score goals in. Those guys just love defending," he said.

"But Rio Ferdinand is the hardest opponent I have faced -- strong and quick. He didn't kick you. He was so classy. I could do all my step-overs but he would watch the ball and tackle so immaculately. He only got the ball."

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