Robinho: ‘My goal is to stay for a long time’

(GSM) – On Monday, Robinho was welcomed at Santos by 15,000 fans and club icon Pele. The Manchester City forward hopes to secure his place in the Brazilian World Cup squad at his former club but insists he’s not planning to return to City after that. “My goal is to stay for a long time.”

Robinho left Santos to join Real Madrid in 2005 and was signed by Manchester City for £32.5m in 2008. Now, he returns to his beloved club after one and a half year in the Premier League. The 26-year-old is at the beginning of a six-month loan spell but he hopes to stay longer.

“My goal is to stay for a long time,” Robinho said at a press conference during his presentation. “If the president wants to extend my contract for four more years, it’s all right for me!”

“I’m very happy all of you are here. I have a great love for Santos.”

Robinho, who will wear No7 at Santos, acknowledged he returned to secure his World Cup spot.

“One of my objectives is to go to the World Cup and play well,” he said. “Playing well at Santos will prepare me for the national team and having a good World Cup.”