Becks
07-05-2005, 03:36 AM
MADRID, Spain (AP) - Robinho's transfer to Real Madrid is being prevented by Santos' insistence that the Brazil striker stay until next year's World Cup, his agent said Monday.
"The problem isn't the money any more, but the refusal by (Santos president) Marcelo Teixera to let him go until next year," Wagner Ribeiro told news agency Efe. "The agreement is a long way off, although we trust it will be resolved as soon as possible."
Ribeiro's remarks challenge the general belief that Robinho's transfer fee is the major stumbling block.
Madrid has reportedly increased its bid to US$25 million (€29.75 million), but Teixeira wants the US$50 million (€59.5 million) stipulated in the buyout clause in Robinho's contract, which runs until 2008.
Ribeiro, who is representing Madrid in the negotiations with Santos, said last week the Spanish team would withdraw its interest if a deal isn't concluded by July 8.
Robinho appears to be growing exasperated by the deadlock after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Madrid.
The 21-year-old striker was fined an undisclosed amount by Santos on Saturday after failing to attend two consecutive team practices following the Confederations Cup. He didn't play in the Brazilian championship match against Juventude on Sunday.
Referring to Madrid as "the best club in the world," Robinho repeated his desire for a move at a news conference in Brazil on Monday, saying he didn't understand why he wasn't being allowed to.
"I want to play for Real Madrid. I'm trying to sort this out quickly. I'm not in the frame of mind to play here any more," Robinho was quoted by Efe as saying.
Robinho said Teixeira had promised him in October that he could leave after the Libertadores Cup. Santos was eliminated in the quarterfinals on June 16.
"I hope the president keeps his promise. I want to leave Brazil. I think this is the right time," he said.
Robinho, who last week helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup in Germany, has played a key part in Santos' revival over recent years and has earned comparisons with Pele, who also played for the team.
In 2002, Santos won its first national title since 1968, and it reached the Copa Libertadores final a year later. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo led the team to the league again in December before joining Madrid.
"The problem isn't the money any more, but the refusal by (Santos president) Marcelo Teixera to let him go until next year," Wagner Ribeiro told news agency Efe. "The agreement is a long way off, although we trust it will be resolved as soon as possible."
Ribeiro's remarks challenge the general belief that Robinho's transfer fee is the major stumbling block.
Madrid has reportedly increased its bid to US$25 million (€29.75 million), but Teixeira wants the US$50 million (€59.5 million) stipulated in the buyout clause in Robinho's contract, which runs until 2008.
Ribeiro, who is representing Madrid in the negotiations with Santos, said last week the Spanish team would withdraw its interest if a deal isn't concluded by July 8.
Robinho appears to be growing exasperated by the deadlock after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Madrid.
The 21-year-old striker was fined an undisclosed amount by Santos on Saturday after failing to attend two consecutive team practices following the Confederations Cup. He didn't play in the Brazilian championship match against Juventude on Sunday.
Referring to Madrid as "the best club in the world," Robinho repeated his desire for a move at a news conference in Brazil on Monday, saying he didn't understand why he wasn't being allowed to.
"I want to play for Real Madrid. I'm trying to sort this out quickly. I'm not in the frame of mind to play here any more," Robinho was quoted by Efe as saying.
Robinho said Teixeira had promised him in October that he could leave after the Libertadores Cup. Santos was eliminated in the quarterfinals on June 16.
"I hope the president keeps his promise. I want to leave Brazil. I think this is the right time," he said.
Robinho, who last week helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup in Germany, has played a key part in Santos' revival over recent years and has earned comparisons with Pele, who also played for the team.
In 2002, Santos won its first national title since 1968, and it reached the Copa Libertadores final a year later. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo led the team to the league again in December before joining Madrid.