Ex-Man City No2 Bowen: Robinho could not cut it

Former Manchester City assistant coach Mark Bowen says Robinho was up to competing in the Premiership.

Robinho, 26, arrived at Eastlands for a record British transfer fee of £32.4m in 2008 but faded after a bright start.

"He took a lot of stick, but he did massively underperform, especially away from home," said Bowen.

"I just thought that, physically, he wasn't really up to the challenges of the Premier League."

Robinho left Manchester City in January, rejoining his first club Santos on loan for six months, and Bowen, who left Eastlands along with sacked former manager Mark Hughes in December, believes he will prosper in a more familiar environment.

"There is no doubting that if and when he went to another league, or back to Brazil, it would be a different style of football and it would suit him better," said Bowen.

"We always felt he could possibly blossom and get used to the Premier League but he wasn't really up to the week in week out challenges."

Get involved. Your opinion matters - like us on

Tribalfootball Store

Manchester City 2011/12 Away Football Shirt Made by Umbro. The shirt is designed so that when a player celebrates a goal or links arms with team mates, the black and red stripe remains consistent.

£49.99 Buy

Manchester City 2011/12 Training Micro FleeceShirt Made by Umbro. Sponsor Etihad Airways. Colour Sky Blue

£39.99 Buy

Manchester City 2011/12 Training Football Shirt Made by Umbro. Colour Sky Blue

£24.99 Buy

11 Nova TRX AG Football Boot, Made by Adidas. adidas 11NOVA TRX AG to natural hard coatings.

£54.99 Buy

Mercurial Victory II FG Football Boots Made By Nike Introducing the Mercurial Victory, a lightweight and reliable choice for players who demand fast manoeuvring and quicker thinking.

£49.99 Buy

Nike5 Bomba Astro Turf Trainers Made By Nike

£39.99 Buy

This official Manchester City FC garden gnome is a cheerful little ornament for brightening up your garden. Made out of weather resistant resin to stand proudly outside in your garden.

£14.99 Buy

Manchester City 2011/12 Home Replica Football Shorts Made by Umbro. Brief Lined Tie Waist Cord. Colour Sky Blue/White

£19.99 Buy

Comments (7)

Best player we've ever had? That lazy little ***** wasn't fit to lace Shaun Goater's boots. He was a disgrace to the shirt.

Great player but I still think he just heard the "Manchester" part of the team that wanted to sign him....he said yes and was shocked not to see Taggart Baconface when he got off the plane

i see him as a thief............were still paying his wages aren't we?
robberinho...