It's official...
Official: Real Reel In Robinho!
7/3/2005 1:21:00 AM
Real Madrid have finally secured the signing of Robinho after protracted negotiations over the last few months.
Florentino Perez et al had agreed contractual terms with the Santos ace many moons ago, but the transfer fee has always been an issue of contention. The sum has now finally been agreed at a wopping great 25 million euros, though an incredible 40% will go to the Brazilian’s agent Wagner Ribeiro.
Arsenal had held admittedly hopeful intentions of landing what many believe to be a cast-iron star of next year’s World Cup, but the Gunners quest has been put to the sword. In fact, Arsenal's public declaration is likely to have been the catalyst for Real to seal the deal, and at some expense considering the comparatively paltry transfer bids that were previously mentioned.
Emilio Butragueno took no time to talk-up Robinho once the transfer was secured, "Robinho has been the soccer sensation of the last year…Although he is very young, his contribution to Real Madrid can be spectacular. Luxemburgo only took seconds in giving his opinion. Wanderley is enchanted by his arrival."
Robinho’s relationship with Santos had soured in recent weeks after he failed to report for training on two separate occasions on returning from Germany, following Brazil’s victorious Confederations Cup campaign.
This hikes the Real recruitment drive up to three after the double capture of Uruguayan team mates Carlos Diogo and Pablo Garcia earlier in the week, as Real abandon the Galacticos policy in an attempt to dislodge Barcelona at the peak of the Spanish game.