Brazil: Robinho "I Can Be Best In The World At City"

Brazilian superstar Robinho believes that he can prove himself to be the best player in the world at Manchester City following his transfer deadline-day move from Real Madrid.

The 24 year old has enjoyed a generally positive start to his career at the Eastlands, scoring six goals, including a hat-trick against Stoke, and providing a number of assists for his team-mates.

In an interview with Brazilian sports paper Placar, Robinho indicated that he is happy with the start he has made in the Premier League.

"It has gone well… I have a good scoring average for someone who is not a number nine.

"I want to score more goals, but, if team-mates are in better positions, then I am happy to provide assists as they are just as important to the team."

Many have questioned his move to City, especially considering that he left Real Madrid in order to join them, but Robinho believes that the Eastlands will provide him with the perfect stage upon which to display his talent to the world.

"I can definitely achieve my objectives here, and I will," he affirmed.

"Many people will say it is difficult to do so at a team like this, but I believe it to be easier because I am the focal point here. At Madrid, I was only used for the important games."

Robinho joined a burgeoning Brazilian contingent at City when he agreed to spearhead the Abu Dhabi revolution and he believes that striker Jô can be a national team regular if he maintains his current fine form.

"Jô is playing very well. If he continues to improve then he is certain to be part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup," he explained.

The City supporters have taken Robinho in with open arms since his €42.5million move and the forward admitted that he is slightly overwhelmed by the strength of the positive reaction he has received.

"It has been amazing; they treat me like Maradona here.

"It is slightly embarrassing, but I hope to repay their faith with my performances on the pitch," he concluded.

Real Madrid to Fine Robinho and Baptista For Late Return

Real Madrid have begun an investigation into why Robinho and Baptista returned late for last weeks World Cup Qualifiers.

The Brazilian internationals missed training on Friday and had to sit out Real's 2-1 defeat to Espanyol on Saturday. Neither of them had informed the club that they would return late and they are both expected to receive large fines.

Rumours suggest that Robinho was seen partying into the early hours of Thursday morning, following Brazil's success against Ecuador.

Ballon D'Or Shortlist Announced by France Football

France Football have released a list of the fifty players in contention for the Ballon D'Or, otherwise known as the European Footballer of the year.

They seem to have relaxed the entry rules over previous years, as now players who do not ply their trade in Europe are also included in the list.

There are ten Latin American players included:

Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Brazil), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Diego (Werder Breman, Brazil), Kaka (Milan, Brazil), Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina), Guillermo Ochoa (America, Mexico), Juan Riquelme (Villarreal, Argentina), Robinho (Real Madrid, Brazil), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Brazil), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United, Argentina).

Weekend Transfer Gossip

Not much Latin American transfer activity or even rumours this weekend. In fact, pretty much everything comes from one publication.

First off, Barcelona have offered 16million Euros for Zaragoza defender Gabriel Milito. Marca (Spanish link) report that Zaragoza are holding out for nearer 18million for the talented Argentine.

Real Murcia are close to adding Pablo Garcia to the signing of fellow Uruguayan Marco Regueiro according to Marca (Spanish link).

New Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster has told the Madrid board that Brazilian full back Cicinho is not to be sold to Roma. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Italian side are now likely to turn their attention to Julio Belletti of Barcelona in search of a solution to their right back problems.

In our final Marca (Spanish link) story, they report that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is only willing to discuss a move for Cesc Fabregas to Real Madrid if Brazilian wonderkid Robinho goes the other way as part of the deal. It seems unlikely, however, that Bernd Schuster would be content to sanction such a move.

Finally, the Gazetta Della Sport (Italian link) report, amongst other things, that Liverpool are interested in signing Roma's Brazilian midfielder Amantino Mancini, after struggling to agree deals for Portugese wingers Simao Sabrosa and Ricardo Quaresma with their respective clubs.