SOCCER: Manchester City are set to fine record signing Robinho for his training ground walk out in Tenerife last week, while Ireland's Richard Dunne wants to remain as part of the club's future.
The 25-year-old made an unscheduled departure, flying home to Brazil without telling manager Mark Hughes that he had to attend some “family business”.
It was expected that Hughes would land the £32.5million striker with a fine of approximately two weeks wages, that would be touching £200,000, but there have also been suggestions the Blues boss will not impose a punishment at all.
That has been interpreted as weakness in the former Wales manager. Yet it is an accusation he strenuously denies and he confirmed Robinho will be punished.
“I’ve had a talk with Robinho,” said Hughes. “I have read some of the things that have been said this morning but nothing could be further from the truth.
“I have told Robby about the situation and our intention is to fine him.
“But there is a disciplinary procedure that has to be gone through and that is what we are doing at the moment.
“But what I would like to say is that he will be treated no differently to any other member of the squad.”
Robinho returned to Manchester from South America at the weekend and trained yesterday.
It is expected he will line up alongside new arrivals Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong tomorrow evening when City entertain Newcastle in the Premier League at Eastlands.
Dunne, meanwhile, is determined to remain part of the club’s revolution.
After a series of below-par performances this season there have been suggestions the manager could be prepared to cash in on the Republic of Ireland international.
It has even been suggested Dunne could leave Eastlands during the current transfer window as a makeweight in a deal that would see Newcastle keeper Shay Given arrive from St James’ Park.
However, the 29-year-old has no intention of giving up so easily.
After experiencing plenty of false dawns since arriving at City from Everton in 2000, Dunne recognises the real thing. And he intends to be part of Hughes’ plans.
“The aim for every player here now is to stay at the club as long as possible and hopefully taste some real success. I am no different,” said Dunne.
“We all have to play a part and we all know if we do not perform to the best of our ability in training and matches that we might not be here that long in what looks like being an exciting future.
“The opportunity is there for any player who has been at this club a long time and knows how bad things have been at different stages, to grab the opportunity to be involved in good times.
“It is up to individuals to take that chance.”
Unfortunately for Dunne that chance will not come against Newcastle tomorrow as the City skipper starts a four-match ban following his dismissal against Wigan earlier this month.
