Mark Hughes insists Robinho is part of his long-term plan for Manchester City and is adamant the £32.5m Brazilian's recent dip in form does not stem from him being unhappy at Eastlands.
"There is no reason for anybody to think Robinho is not playing well for any other reason than the opposition stopping him," said Hughes. "He is aware of the stories about him and he knows the focus is on him. But he is in my plans long-term. People who say otherwise are just being mischievous. He is an outstanding player who wants to be part of what we are doing. But he is also a professional football player and he doesn't enjoy getting beaten."
Robinho, meanwhile, has demanded a formal apology from Pele after the Brazil legend claimed he had taken drugs. Pele claimed Robinho and the former world footballer of the year Ronaldo used recreational drugs at a private party in Sao Paulo. The comments have caused a sensation in Brazil. They left Robinho bemused, and his representatives are now demanding Pele retract the remarks.
"A formal retraction from Pele will be requested, if what he said was not misinterpreted by the media that published it," read a statement on Robinho's official website. "And if Pele does not come forward, he will have to deal with his very unfortunate comment in court.
"Robinho is upset and disappointed at Pele, who seems to have forgotten the great idol he was and that it appears Pele must be reading sensationalist media, to come up with such wrongful statement."
Martin Petrov, who is not far away from a return after a serious knee injury which was originally feared would rule him out for the remainder of the campaign, could help take some of the attacking pressure off Robinho. On the face of it, Petrov would also provide competition for the Brazilian's favoured left-sided berth, although Hughes feels the pair can be accommodated in the same side.
"Robinho's favoured position is on the left-hand side, cutting in, but we could also play him off the front," said Hughes. "I certainly think you could play both him and Petrov in the same team."
While there were times last season when Petrov's eye for goal brought accusations of being greedy, the Bulgarian's pace and ability to beat defenders in tight situations offers City another option, which Hughes feels might have helped them on their travels this term.
"If we had the benefit of Martin Petrov all season it would have given me a lot of variation," he said. "We could have changed things around because he would have given the opposition different problems. You want someone who will take people on and get crosses in. On occasions, we have lacked that ability this season."
