The first game of international week saw the return to England of our record signing, Robinho, which inevitably brought a reprisal of the questions over his future. In the game itself, Robinho was fairly influential for his national side, forcing one in off Keith Andrews and finishing an exquisite move for the second, in a showing that typifies his workrate for Brazil that was so often missing in a City shirt. Given, for one, was enthusing after the game that City would be benefiting from this new, stronger Robinho, but sadly this increased level of interest was always a feature of his international meets. The start of Robinho's slippery slope began when he put on such a lacklustre display last season away to Portsmouth fresh from a world-beating display against Italy in the week where he scored a sensational solo goal. After the game Dunga said it was a good thing Robinho had left City and that his move to Brazil had put the smile back onto his face. What are the chances then of City regaining a world-class striker at the end of his spell with Santos?
Obviously City are in a contractually strong position to ensure the return of Robinho if they want to. So the success of a possible return would depend on Robinho's attitude, which has been the big sticking point in the whole of this wonderful charade. Something that may facilitate his return would be Champions League football. Robinho believes himself to be one of the world's best footballers and the European styles he would come up against in the Champions League would undoubtedly suit his own flair. You would imagine he would be almost a certain starter for these games, thus softening the blow of not being a regular contender in the league fixtures.
At the time Robinho was loaned out, Mancini likened him to the troubled Brazilian he had at Inter - Adriano. Now, although people like to bemoan Robinho and his attitude, I think it is fair to say that Adriano's "troubled" tag was in an entirely different league. Indeed, Adriano did return from a loan spell with Sao Paulo to play for Inter. Although after a bright return, things quickly soured again, and after being given leave to return to Brazil, he never returned. One would worry that this is all City would get from Robinho's return - another short-lived revival before he finds the Premier League a little too boisterous for his liking. I am probably one of Robinho's biggest fans, but whether he can produce consistently high performances in the domestic competition is a big question.
That said, it is a bit of luxury to be holding a player like Robinho only for European competition. He is undoubtedly an exceptional talent in a league that doesn't suit him. Perhaps what City are hoping for is for him to have a successful World Cup and for several of the world's richest teams (step up Barcelona) to consider him again. Otherwise we may end up with our own AWOL, but much more likable, version of Adriano. I hope I'm wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment