Robinho Could Leave, Brazil Legend Carlos Alberto Warns Manchester City

City's crown jewel would revel in more exalted company, according to a Brazil legend...



Robinho could leave Manchester City unless the side improves the quality of the squad, according to Brazil's 1970 World Cup winning captain, Carlos Alberto.

The former defender admits that Robinho has not always been at his best for the Eastlands outfit but remained adamant that the forward would thrive in a team stocked with world class talent.

Robinho signed from Real Madrid for a British record fee of £32.5 million last summer but has occasionally floundered as Manchester City failed to qualify for Europe.

The club's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has also warned that City do not intend spending wantonly this summer following a recruitment campaign that has cost the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners over £80m in fees over two transfer windows.

This perceived change of practice could have a detrimental effect on Robinho's game, according to Carlo Alberto. He believes that City need to make the transition to becoming a top-class outfit before the best of the 25-year-old can be seen.

He told the press, "If Manchester City change the team to a really top side, he will improve. They are a good side at the moment, but Robinho always deserves to play for the best teams.

"I hope Manchester City can become a much better team for next season. He has already had to change the way he plays because it is easier to play in Spain than it is here in England, where the marking is very tough. But he is still a good player."