Santos in bid to sign Brazilian star Robinho

Robinho in action for Santos last year

Rio de Janeiro, March 22 (IANS) Santos are in talks to sign Robinho for the rest of his playing career, the Brazilian club said. The 31-year-old has scored 14 goals from 29 appearances since joining Santos on a year-long loan in August.

"We want him to stay, if possible, until he decides to hang up his boots," Santos football manager Andre Zanotta told TerraTV on Saturday. "Robinho and Santos have a special connection. We have held talks. He is contracted to Milan until June 2016 so they have to authorize it.

"In the form that he's in, he's drawn interest from clubs all over the world. We are trying to secure a permanent move for him but nothing has been decided yet."

Robinho started his career at Santos in 2002, winning the Brazilian Serie A in his debut season. He also helped Santos to the title in 2004 before being sold to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2005.

The Brazil international returned on a six-month loan in 2010, guiding the club to the Copa do Brasil title.