Manchester City star Robinho admits former Real Madrid teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy was his hero growing up in Brazil.

Robinho would rush home to watch Manchester United on TV. In the Old Trafford ranks were David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.

But the Brazilian teenager only had time for United's goal machine Van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy will send a good-luck message to his former Real pal, who faces his biggest game in English football.

But who does the Dutchman want to win the Manchester derby?

"I don't know," Robinho told The Sun. "We exchange good-luck messages before games but I am not sure what will happen on Sunday.

"Ruud is a legend at United and now I am playing for City. That is one text I'll be very interested to see!"

The Brazilian continued: "United are a club known all around the world. No matter where you grow up, if you love football then you'll know about Manchester United.

"I saw United matches on TV as a kid in Sao Paulo. I loved watching Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"He was a hero for me because of the way he scored goals in all competitions.

"He's such an intelligent striker and I have tried to copy his technique to improve my game even though we are not similar players.

"When I signed for Real Madrid, it was like a dream. I walked into the changing room and there was one of my football heroes.

"I feel very lucky that I got to play with a guy who I worshipped from far away and I am very proud to call him my friend.

"We still stay in touch and speak on the phone very often."