Robinho begs Manchester City to let him quit

Brazilian striker Robinho is reported to have begged Manchester City to let him quit Eastlands so he can make his loan move to Santos permanent.

The 26-year-old Robinho joined big-spending City in 2008 for a British record transfer fee of 32.5 million pounds ($52.87 million) from Real Madrid but struggled to hold down a first-team place and was loaned to Santos for a six-month period.

According to The Sun, the 26-year-old striker is now asking City boss Roberto Mancini will let him quit.

"I hope this is not goodbye. It's not easy to convince the English to agree a deal, but I trust the leaders of Santos to be successful. I think I belong here in Brazil more than the Premier League," he said.

"My agents have received several offers from clubs in Europe but everything is on hold until Santos meet City," he added.

Having finished his loan spell, Robinho is due in Manchester on August 4, but plays for Brazil in America six days later.

Mancini hinted City would not make Robinho stay in England.