Hughes: Robinho is going nowhere
Robinho is part of Manchester City's long-term plans, Mark Hughes said
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Tuesday, 24, Mar 2009 11:05
Mark Hughes insists Robinho will not be leaving Eastlands in the summer transfer window.
Speculation about the Brazilian midfielder's future at Manchester City has emerged after his form for the club has dipped considerably of late.
Robinho scored 12 goals after signing for a British record transfer fee of £32.5 million in September, but walked out of the club's Tenerife training camp in January - citing family reasons - and has failed to score in 2009.
He also missed a penalty in City's 1-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, which moved the Blues into tenth position in the Premier League.
But Hughes quashed speculation linking Robinho to a transfer to Chelsea - the club he was expected to join from Real Madrid last summer.
"He is in my plans long term," the City boss said. "People who say otherwise are just being mischievous."
The Welshman added: "He is an outstanding player who wants to be part of what we are doing, but he is also a professional football player and he doesn't enjoy getting beaten."
City's failure to lure AC Milan star Kaka to Eastlands in January initially sparked rumours that Robinho could seek a move away from the club.
The Brazilian should be available for City's next league fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday April 4th.
Robinho could also prove important to City's campaign to win this season's Uefa Cup.
Hughes' side have been drawn against Hamburg - the club managed by former Tottenham Hotspur boss Martin Jol - in the quarter-finals of the competition.