Veteran Brazilian striker Robinho has rejoined his boyhood club Santos, who he left to join Real Madrid as a 21-year-old rising star, on a short-term contract worth only slightly more than the country's minimum wage. The 36-year-old penned a five-month deal paying the nominal amount of about $271 per month with bonuses and an extension if things go well, a far cry from the hundreds of thousands he earned at some of Europe's richest clubs early in his career. "This has always been my home, it's so special to come back here where my career began," he said. It is the Brazilian's third stint at Santos, having left Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir shortly after helping them win their first Super Lig title last season. Robinho shot to fame with the Rio outfit, which also produced Neymar and Pele, before Real Madrid signed him to great fanfare in 2006. He won league titles with Real and AC Milan and also turned out 100 times for Brazil, winning the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. Robinho was Manchester City's signature signing following Abu Dhabi United Group's 2008 takeover, luring the forward from Madrid and from under the noses of Chelsea. He also experienced a season in China in 2015 playing for Guangzhou Evergrande. "I have many fond memories here," Robinho added. "The fans can be certain that I will give my best to help Santos FC on and off the pitch. "Santos FC is going through a difficult financial time. So this is the time for those who can do something. I want to help the club that always gave me everything. Santos FC has already done a lot for me and this return is still little." Santos are going through financial difficulties and could soon face a transfer ban from Fifa over unpaid debts.
