Player power saw Barcelona end bid for Man City flop Robinho

Player power was behind Barcelona's decision to pull out of talks for Manchester City winger Robinho.

The Daily Mail says Robinho's hopes of seeing out the season in the sunshine of Barcelona look like being dashed as the club's players are urging coach Pep Guardiola not to sign him on loan from Manchester City.

City boss Roberto Mancini has given the all-clear for £32.5million Robinho to spend the rest of the season somewhere else after a series of poor performances.

But Barca's senior players, including the influential Carles Puyol and Xavi, have told Guardiola - a Robinho fan - that the Brazilian would hurt team spirit in the dressing room.