AC Milan signing Robinho says his move to Santos revived his career after a horror spell at Manchester City.
Robinho claims that the club lost confidence in him and he was pleased to get loaned out to his former club Santos otherwise his World Cup chances would have been in jeopardy.
He said: "After Mark (Hughes) left and I don't think that (Roberto) Mancini had confidence in me. Going on loan to Santos was the best solution because, if I'd stayed at City, I would not have played in the World Cup.
"The loan was very successful. I recaptured my love of football, won a title and confirmed my place in the Brazil team.
"It was an excellent experience and they tried to extend my loan, but City had made up their minds to sell."
