Neymar urges Robinho to return to Brazil

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 10: Neymar #11 and Robinho #7 of Brazil celebrate Neymar’s goal against the U.S. in the first half of a friendly match at the New Meadowlands on August 10, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Sao Paulo, Dec 2 – Neymar has added his voice to calls for AC Milan winger Robinho to return to Brazilian football club Santos in the new year.

Speaking after scoring twice in Santos’ 3-1 victory over Palmeiras in their season-ending Brazilian championship match Saturday, Neymar did not hide his desire to see Robinho return to the club where he began his career more than a decade ago, reports Xinhua.

“I am biased because he is my idol and to have an idol back at the club is always important,” Neymar said.

“If the fans want him, then I want him too. But it’s the president (Luis Alvaro Ribeiro) who decides.”

Robinho helped Santos win the 2002 Brazilian championship with an outstanding debut season as an 18-year-old. He also played a crucial role in the club’s 2004 Brazilian championship success before being sold to Real Madrid in 2005.

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho and Ribeiro have openly stated their desire to make a bid for the player during the January transfer window but admit Milan’s asking price could be prohibitive.

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani last week denied the club was considering offloading the 28-year-old, who has struggled for form in recent months. In nine matches this season, Robinho has scored just one goal for the San Siro outfit.

Neymar also backed Santos’ bid to sign Argentina international midfielder Walter Montillo from Brazilian top-flight rivals Cruzeiro.

“I always want the best players to come to Santos. The doors are always open to him,” Neymar said.