City's Brazilian dream sours as Robinho walks out

LONDON: Manchester City's Brazilian dream was rapidly taking on a nightmarish tinge on Tuesday as the collapse of the bid to sign Kaka was followed by confirmation that Robinho had walked out of a club training camp.

City Chief Executive Garry Cook confirmed that the star striker had left City's base on the Spanish island of Tenerife in what he termed a "breach of club discipline," although the player insisted he had informed the club of his plans.

"I had made Manchester City aware that I needed to return to Brazil because of a family matter," Robinho told the BBC. "I will return to the club and hope to sort this out as soon as possible."