Former Santos and Brazil star Carlos Alberto insists Manchester City will benefit from Robinho's loan move back to his old club.

In a column for the Daily Mail, Carlos Alberto wrote: "Here he will be among people who have been friends of his for a long time. Playing at home, I'm absolutely sure Robinho will shine again and recover.

"I think that on the pitch he has actually had some good matches for City, but there is a lot of competition at the club.

"This is an intelligent move for everyone. Even if he comes home for just six months, when he returns City will get back a Robinho who is much more motivated and playing great football - especially if he stars for Brazil at the World Cup.

"That is my hope. Playing at home, alongside Brazilians who speak the same language, he can get back to his best."