Man City boss Mancini: I was in control of Robinho move

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he was in total control of Robinho's loan move to Santos.

City’s agreement with Santos is until August 5 – and the Brazilian is unlikely to feature in a pre-season tour of the United States that the Blues are planning.

Mancini said: “I spoke with the owners about Robinho, but it was my decision that he should be allowed to go to Santos.

“Of course I speak with Khaldoon and Garry Cook all the time and we are all sorry about what happened. Robinho wanted to play all the time because it is World Cup year and that wasn’t going to happen here.”