Football Talk - Robinho wants Mancini talks - 21/12/09
Manchester City forward Robinho is looking forward to meeting new boss Roberto Mancini to hear his plans for the club. The Brazilian had been linked with a January move to Barcelona after failing to flourish under old boss Mark Hughes.
But the £32.5million signing from Real Madrid wants to hear what the former Inter boss has to say, believing there is still plenty of time for City to achieve success on the pitch this season.
Robinho told The Sun: "I want to talk with Mancini. I've heard good news about his work and City still have plenty of time to finish the season well. The decision for Hughes to go was down to the owners but it did not come as a surprise after all the rumours. But the Champions League zone is not so far for us and we are in the Carling Cup semi-finals. Performances have not been so negative as some people think."
Mancini is set to be officially unveiled at a press conference at 4:30pm (BST) on Monday, following Hughes' departure on Saturday. Meanwhile, amind speculation that Mancini will look to make signings in the January transfer window, Inter president Massimo Moratti has been quick to warn City off highly-rated teenage striker Mario Balotelli.
"I think they (Manchester City) have made a great signing,'' said Moratti. "But they should not inquire about Balotelli for January because we are not selling him.''
