Robinho Tells Why He Ditched Chelsea For Man City

By Danny Ward

Robinho has revealed the reasons he did not join Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2008 and said Madrid were angry Chelsea sold his shirts before the deal could be closed.

The Brazilian joined Manchester City in the summer of 2008 at a time when the world thought he was closer to joining Chelsea following the arrival of Filipe Scolari.

Ten years after the swerve, the then most sought-after player and now 34-year-old Sivasspor player has disclosed the reasons. 

“My main goal was to move to Chelsea. Big Phil had said I could make the difference for him as his squad, according to him, was not creative enough,” said the Brazilian, who left the Santiago Bernabeu as the third highest goal scorer then after Raul and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“But, Real Madrid had fallen out with Chelsea – they didn’t like them selling shirts with my name on before the deal had been done.”

“I am pretty sure that this error was one of the main reasons why the transfer failed, as it was a matter of pride for Real Madrid.”

“And, they were also reluctant to let me move to a club that was playing in the Champions League the same season – Chelsea were, but City weren’t.”

“I moved to a great club and they welcomed me in the best way. I had a one-and-a-half years of joy in Manchester, despite the city being a lot colder than Madrid.”