Robinho explains City absence
Robinho has left Manchester City's Tenerife training camp
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Tuesday, 20, Jan 2009 10:56
Manchester City's record signing Robinho has explained why he left the club's Tenerife training camp and returned to his Brazilian homeland.
Robinho was believed to have gone awol and headed back to South America after reports that he was involved in a bust-up with manager Mark Hughes.
However, the player himself has since clarified the situation, claiming his departure was cleared with the club first and was due to "a family matter".
"I had made Manchester City aware that I needed to return to Brazil," Robinho told the BBC.
"I will return to the club and hope to sort this out as soon as possible."
There had been rumours circulating that problems had arisen with Robinho after the collapse last night of a proposed transfer for his countryman Kaka from AC Milan - with the two known to be close friends.
However, the former Real Madrid star denied this was the case, saying: "I feel it is important to underline that I did not return to Brazil because of the Kaka deal.
"He is one of my good friends and it would have been great to see him at Manchester City - but it had nothing to do with his decision to stay in Milan.
"I am committed to helping Manchester City become the force the owners assured me they will become."
The rest of the City squad are still at a mid-season warm-weather camp due to their absence from this weekend's FA Cup fourth round matches.
Robinho is now set to miss the rest of the brief foray, although he is expected to be reunited with his team-mates upon their return to England next week.