Robinho joins list of discontented at Real

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-02-14 08:44

MADRID, Feb 13 - Brazil forward Robinho has become the latest Real Madrid player to voice his discontent at his lack of opportunities under coach Fabio Capello.

"Right now I'm not happy because I'm not playing, but I'm going to keep working to change that," Robinho told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I know that he (Capello) doesn't have confidence in my football because I'm not playing and I have to make him change his mind."

Asked whether he would consider leaving the club at the end of the season, he replied: "I don't know. All I know is that with Capello I've been on the bench and if things carry on like that I will have to see what's best for me."

But the 22-year-old, who joined Real from Santos on a five-year contract for a fee of $30 million in Aug 2005, said his case was different from that of Brazil colleague Ronaldo who was forced to leave the club because he did not feature in Capello's plans.

"Ronaldo is the best striker in the world, but he wasn't happy because the coach didn't want him to stay here. I'm younger, I've still got a lot to learn and I've got a future."

ONE GOAL

Robinho has been in the starting line-up for nine of Real's 22 league games this season and has found the net just once.

Last week Capello backtracked on his pledge not to select David Beckham again following the midfielder's announcement that he would be joining MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

Striker Antonio Cassano continues to be sidelined, however, after a run-in with Capello earlier in the season.

Robinho backed team mate Fabio Cannavaro's call for the Italy international to be return to the squad.

"Cassano is a great player and person," he said. "I don't like it when I see that my team mates are sad."

Robinho was at the centre of controversy earlier this year when sporting director Predrag Mijatovic hinted that the Brazilian had arrived at a training session smelling of alcohol.

"It wasn't true," said Robinho. "I look after myself off the pitch .... Mijatovic hasn't apologised to me or said anything. I don't like what was said, but it's in the past now."



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