City may take Robinho back
Friday, 30 July 2010 09:37
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is ready to make peace with Robinho (pic) if the Brazil forward is willing to raise his game for the English Premier League club.
Mancini sent Robinho on loan to Santos for the second half of last season after growing tired of the former Real Madrid star's lacklustre displays.
Despite costing a British record £32.5 million in September 2008, Robinho failed to live up to his billing at Eastlands and was even hauled off by Mancini soon after coming on as a substitute in a defeat against Everton in January.
Yet Robinho's form improved dramatically back in Brazil and he also impressed for his country at the World Cup.
With Robinho's spell with Santos due to end next week, Mancini has indicated he could be persuaded to give the 26-year-old winger a second chance if he shows the right attitude.
Asked if he had any concerns about Robinho's return, Mancini told Sky Sports News: "At this moment, no. But it depends on him.
"The situation is that Robinho will finish his contract with Santos. After that he will stay in Brazil for another week, play for the national team and after that he will return to Manchester City."
IN Atlanta, Georgia, Shay Given blocked two penalties and Manchester City beat Club America 4-1 in the shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 draw in an exhibition game on Wednesday.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo, Vladimir Weiss and Patrick Vieira made City a perfect four for four on the penalty kicks. Pardo Pavel had Club America's only successful penalty kick.
Adebayor scored the only goal of the first half in the 36th minute and Club America's Enrique Esqueda tied (47th minute) it early in the second half.
Agencies
