Pele admits he's saddened by Manchester City star Robinho's arrest.

"Things like this make me sad. It's very bad news because we (Brazilian football) struggled so hard to build an image abroad. What has happened with Robinho, Adriano and Ronaldo has shut the door to Brazilian footballers," lamented Pele.

The Brazilian great also recalled that Robinho would listen to his advice when he began playing in his team, Santos, and conceded that now "it is more difficult to speak with him".