Al Ahli-target Robinho makes Santos return

David Cooper - Writer 21:31 07/08/2014
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  • Returning home: Robinho began his career at Santos before moving to Real Madrid.

    Al Ahli's ambitious pursuit of Robinho has come to an unsuccessful end after the Brazilian forward returned to Santos on a season-long loan from AC Milan.

    The Arabian Gulf League champions had held talks with Robinho's agent last week and had offered the 30-year-old a two-year contract worth €4.5m (Dhs 22m) a year.

    However, the former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker has opted for a thrid spell at his boyhood club following a previous loan spell in 2010.

    "This is my home," Robinho said on the Santos website. "It's a place where I feel very good and where I came into the world of football.

    "I hope to repay the affection of all the fans on the pitch. I want to put Santos back where they should be, at the very top of the table."

    Robinho had an injury-hampered season in Milan last year as the Rossoneri stumbled to an eighth-placed finish.

    The 92-cap Brazil international is under contract with the Italian giants until June 2016 but had expressed his wish to leave the San Siro outfit this summer after four years at the club.

    "When we started the negotiations we knew the importance of the player both for the club and for the fans," said Santos sporting director Andre Zanotta.

    "It was a difficult negotiation but with a happy ending. Now we are hoping the documentation is done in time for the match against Corinthians on Sunday."

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