Luxemburgo questions Robunho move
Updated: September 3, 2008, 3:08 PM ET
Former Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo believes Robinho has made a mistake by joining Manchester City.
Luxemburgo coached the Brazilian winger at both Santos and Madrid and revealed his 'shock' at the player's decision to move to Eastlands in a British-record £32.4 million deal.
City sealed the stunning coup just hours after the club agreed to a takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group, snatching the talented 24-year-old from under the noses of fellow English outfit Chelsea.
Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the billionaire businessman at the centre of the takeover, has laid out a grand vision for City, which includes a top-four finish this season and future approaches for the likes of Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Luxemburgo, the man who brought Robinho to Europe back in 2005, does not believe the transfer is in the playmaker's best interests.
'I was quite shocked by the news,' Luxemburgo said. 'The media was talking about moving to Chelsea but he finally moved to Manchester City.
'If you want to become the best, you need a team with possibilities to shine and I don't think City will achieve that this season.'
Luxemburgo, who now coaches Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, also warned Robinho's stock could fall if City fail to make good on their promise.
'I don't know if his football or his career will go back at Manchester City,' Luxemburgo continued. 'It depends on the plan the club set. If they build a big team, that's fine.
'The problem is, they don't seem to be building a big team.'
Updated: September 3, 2008, 3:08 PM ET
Former Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo believes Robinho has made a mistake by joining Manchester City.
Luxemburgo coached the Brazilian winger at both Santos and Madrid and revealed his 'shock' at the player's decision to move to Eastlands in a British-record £32.4 million deal.
City sealed the stunning coup just hours after the club agreed to a takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group, snatching the talented 24-year-old from under the noses of fellow English outfit Chelsea.
Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the billionaire businessman at the centre of the takeover, has laid out a grand vision for City, which includes a top-four finish this season and future approaches for the likes of Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Luxemburgo, the man who brought Robinho to Europe back in 2005, does not believe the transfer is in the playmaker's best interests.
'I was quite shocked by the news,' Luxemburgo said. 'The media was talking about moving to Chelsea but he finally moved to Manchester City.
'If you want to become the best, you need a team with possibilities to shine and I don't think City will achieve that this season.'
Luxemburgo, who now coaches Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, also warned Robinho's stock could fall if City fail to make good on their promise.
'I don't know if his football or his career will go back at Manchester City,' Luxemburgo continued. 'It depends on the plan the club set. If they build a big team, that's fine.
'The problem is, they don't seem to be building a big team.'
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