Sylvinho understands the "difficult" time Robinho is going through, but is still hoping his fellow Brazilian stays at Manchester City. Following an inquiry by his first club Santos, talks are expected to take place over a possible loan deal. City could also get the Brazil Under-20 midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso or striker Neymar in exchange - or have first refusal on the highly-rated pair if they are sold in the future. Robinho scored in City's 4-2 FA Cup fourth round win at Scunthorpe on Sunday, but the goal could be his 16th and final one for the club during a difficult 17 months since he joined from Real Madrid for a British record £32.5 million. The veteran full-back Sylvinho, who has been close to Robinho since he arrived from Barcelona last summer, said: "He is set in Manchester. He is a good guy and loves to play, but sometimes it is difficult. I don't know what's going on in his mind, but you have to respect him. "Football is a big business. He is a young player, a top player, one of the best, and he loves Manchester City and everyone at [the] Carrington [training ground] loves him. If he stays at City, it will be really good for us." Benfica are also interested, but Robinho has expressed his desire to return to his first club Santos. Frustrated at not being a first-choice in Roberto Mancini's side, he is concerned it could affect him during a World Cup year. Sylvinho has always admired the talents of Robinho, saying he was one of "five or six" players that had a high level of skill, like his former Camp Nou teammate Lionel Messi. He has failed to show his best form on a consistent basis, but in City's victory at Scunthorpe, he set up the opener for Martin Petrov before rounding off the victory with a deft finish. Sylvinho added: "Before the game I told him, 'come on, let's run and play, and maybe you will score a goal'."
akhan@thenational.ae
