what the papers say

Robinho settling in

Robinho likes the Manchester life, and Roque Santa Cruz seems to hint that he would like to rejoin his old manager.

The Mirror

"Robinho: I feared finding a Manchester wasteland"

Robinho admits he feared he would find a "wasteland" when he joined Manchester City.

The Brazilian superstar had heard all the horror stories about the city being deprived - and expected the worst when he arrived at Manchester airport for the first time last month.

But apart from the wet weather, which gets to him, Robinho says he has been pleasantly surprised with his new home.

He even claims Manchester is "beautiful" which is, perhaps, taking things a bit far.

"Yes, the weather is an issue," said the striker. "It rains a lot and it looks grey a lot of the time. But I'm getting used to that.

"After what people had been telling me, I feared the worst. I thought I would arrive here and find nothing but wasteland.

"But it's not like that at all. There are fine restaurants and recreational facilities, and the city is beautiful."

The Premier League's record £32.5million signing claims he is settling in well, and has brought over his wife and baby son to help him hunt for a house. City team-mate Elano, who was born in Sao Paulo, like Robinho, has been acting as his chaperon and has shown him the city sights, including his favourite Brazilian restaurant Pau Brasil.

"I'm enjoying Manchester so far," he said. "Elano took me for a city tour and I loved it.

"As for the food, I have no problems there. In fact, there is even a great Brazilian restaurant in the city centre. I'm sure to be a regular.

"Since I've been in Manchester, people recognise me all the time in the city and they have been very kind to me.

"They say really nice things and that is always a great motivation for a player."

Daily Mail

"I want to play alongside Robinho at Manchester City, reveals Blackburn striker Santa Cruz"

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is eager to join Robinho and Mark Hughes at Manchester City.

The Paraguay talisman hinted at a January move to Eastlands, where he would link up with his former Rovers boss Hughes.

City reportedly had a bid turned down for Santa Cruz last summer and reports suggest they could rekindle their interest in the 27-year-old when the transfer window reopens.

"Manchester City is a team that has a very important financial support that is getting prepared for winning the title," Santa Cruz told radio station Primero de Marzo.

"I am very happy at Blackburn but I like the idea of playing for a team that will be fighting for important objectives.

"I will keep on doing what I do at Blackburn but if the coach of Manchester City is interested in me I would like to join Robinho in that team. He is a wonderful player and I would like to play next to him."

Blackburn would be reluctant to sell their prize asset after the striker agreed a new four-year deal in August.