'Robinho has City future'

Brazil forward Robinho has a future with Manchester City after his six-month loan deal with former club Santos ends, City manager Roberto Mancini said yesterday.

The 26-year-old Robinho joined City in 2008 for a British record transfer fee of £32.5 million from Real Madrid but has struggled to hold down a first-team place.

Mancini said he expected Robinho to return before the start of next season and have a big impact at the club.

"I spoke to him and told him that if he stayed then I would be happy, but that if he wanted to go back to Brazil then he could go," Mancini said.

"But after the World Cup he will come back here. He will come back here because, for me, he is a fantastic player with great technique. He can come back here and play every game."