Hughes confident Robinho has long future at City

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is confident Robinho will enjoy a long stay at Eastlands after the Brazilian played down reports linking him with Barcelona.

Former Real Madrid star Robinho has emerged as a target for Barca this season, but he said in a recent television interview that he would like to remain with City for five to 10 years.

Hughes believes the forward will be true to his word and said: “I know Robi’s feelings. He is very happy around the place and with life in Manchester. He always has a smile on his face.

“He is playing alongside good players in a good team. He knows he can be successful with the club and the players that are here already. He likes the way we play and wants to be a part of that.

“Robi was frustrated earlier in the season because he wasn’t playing. Now he is playing perhaps people will start speaking about his performances.”

Robinho has returned to full fitness after a three-month absence because of an ankle injury and should feature against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Hughes believes Robinho’s creativity will play a crucial role in the club’s bid for a top four finish.

“We have a lot of players who have the ability to produce something out of nothing,” he said. “You need that if you have the ambition to be a top team.

“There are going to be occasions where you don’t play particularly well and those type of players can win you games.

“They make their reputations by doing something out of the ordinary and certainly Robi is one of those type of players.”