Former Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan striker Robinho has snubbed a move to his boyhood club Santos, according to reports on ESPN.
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The 31 year old, who played for Santos between 2002 and 2005, in 2010, and again between 2014 and 2015, has rejected a move to sign with the club on a permanent basis.
Instead, he has opted to represent Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande in the coming season. Santos told reporters that they didn’t have the financial capacity to match the offers from abroad.
“I want to thank club directors for trying hard to make it possible for me to stay so everybody could be happy,” Robinho stated. “I’m upset because this is like my family, but life goes on. Santos will remain big and I will try to be happy doing what I like the most, which is playing football.”
Before the move to China was confirmed, it was thought he might move to Liga MX side Queretaro – with the team looking for a new star to replace the recently departed Ronaldinho – but their search will now continue.
Brazilian media have reported Robinho will net $12 million per year from his China move.