Thursday, November 26, 2009

Zabaleta urges Robinho stay

Zabaleta urges Robinho stay

Pablo Zabaleta believes it is imperative that Manchester City retain Brazil international striker Robinho when the January transfer window reopens.

It has been mooted City could cash in on the former Real Madrid ace with European giants Barcelona reportedly keen on bringing him back to La Liga.

Zabaleta has denied there is any disharmony among Mark Hughes' squad and that the gifted 25-year-old gives City an added dimension.

Robinho is in line to make his City return against Hull at the weekend after missing nearly three months with an ankle injury.

"I think it's vital that Robinho stays with Man City," he told The Sun .

"He is a player who can give us more quality and he means a lot to his team-mates.

"There is no problem with him or with the other players."

Robinho mustered 15 goals in his first season with City and Zabaleta believes he can get even better this time around if he can remain injury-free.

"I think he can do even better," he continued. "Naturally, you always expect more from a player like him because there's a reason why he cost more than Ј30m.

"But I hope we can enjoy having him with us for a long time. The truth is, we will achieve our goals faster as a club with players like Robinho here."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/skysports/fixturecal/icons/fix-bet.gif');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:18px;}Prem Top Goalscorer 09/10: Robinho 150/1

Puyol - Robinho not necessaryUnion to select from unprotected players