Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has encouraged Brazilian forward Robinho to buy himself out of his contract if he is determined to move to Chelsea.

The 24-year-old has made no secret of his desire to link up with compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge, and the Spanish champions last night issued a statement insisting they will not keep the player against his wishes.

Calderon has now told the Brazil international to hand in a written transfer request if he wants to leave, but vowed the club will not sell the player - suggesting he will have to buy out his contract to gain his freedom.

"No player will be kept here against their will. This does not mean that Madrid will not defend the interests of the club," said Calderon in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

"I'm sure that Robinho has already weighed up the consequences of his decision and I'm sure that in the next few days he will give a letter to the club to announce that he wants to go. If he does not want to be here, he should leave as soon as possible."

Calderon hinted Robinho would not necessarily have to stump up the full €150million buyout fee, however.

"I can tell you that Madrid are not going to transfer Robinho. We are not going to sell him. If he wants to go, then he should go now. Telling the press about it is not the right way to do things," he said.

"It's not necessarily that he will have to pay the €150million. He would end his contract but the courts will decide what he has to pay."

Calderon reiterated he would be looking out solely for the best interests of the capital club.

"Slavery has been abolished for some time," added the Madrid president, echoing comments he made earlier this summer when the club were chasing Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Nobody is obliged to stay here, but we will defend our interests.

"This is what we announced publicly on our webpage. He should leave as soon as possible, but he must accept the consequences of rescinding his contract when it has two years remaining.

"I hear that we wants to go, well he will have to give notice in writing."

When asked if they would sell if Chelsea offer in the region of €40million, Calderon said: "No, because the transfers need to be done at the end of the competition, not five days before the start of the season.

"It's a lack of respect to the club, it's history and to the fans. We want Robinho to stay in Madrid."