Robinho counts cost of rebellion

Then, still elated after playing in Brazil’s 4-1 win over Argentina in the Confederations Cup final in Germany, Robinho gave a television interview which changed the whole situation.

Robinho said he had spoken to Real Madrid, that he was ready to join the Spanish club and bade farewell to the Santos supporters.

Almost immediately, furious Santos President Marcelo Teixeira was on the phone to Brazilian cable channel Sportv pointing out that Robinho’s contract ran until 2008.

Accusing Real of making an illicit approach to Robinho, Teixeira said: ‘‘It’s a lack of respect for Santos, they might have economic and financial power but it doesn’t mean that they can do what they want, when they what.’’ It won’t be because of this that the player will go to Real Madrid — on the contrary.’’

Robinho was fined for missing practice on Friday and Saturday and his media conference on Monday, when he said Real had offered $25 million and that he was baffled by Santos’s stance, won no sympathy.

‘‘Santos know Robinho’s character and believe he is being badly orientated by people who have financial interest in the deal being concluded’’, said Santos in a statement. ‘‘Robinho knows that Santos is the club which put him on the world stage and gave him everything he needs to develop his game.’’ (Reuters)