Hughes hails Robinho

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is thrilled with the way Robinho has settled into life at Eastlands following his move from Real Madrid.

The Brazil striker was a shock transfer-deadline-day arrival after he had been linked with a switch to Chelsea all summer.

The 24-year-old has already scored twice for City and Hughes watched him grab a brace for Brazil in their 4-0 victory over Venezuela on Sunday, including a spectacular 30-yard effort.

"He's playing well at the moment, and that was a fantastic strike," Hughes told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"Two goals from that international is a great return for him and I'm sure that when he returns he'll be very buoyant, which he usually is anyway.

"He's very positive, it shows that he's happy with his football and in himself at the moment, which is a big part of what we have been able to give him.

"He's playing week in, week out in front of a crowd that absolutely adores him; you can see the joy in his play and I hope we reap the benefits."

Hughes feels the presence of Robinho's international team-mates Jo and Elano at Eastlands has helped the £32.5m signing settle in off the pitch too - despite the British weather.

"The weather's something we don't enjoy either and I have lived here for many, many years," Hughes continued.

"Robinho has settled in very well and it has obviously helped that he has some of his Brazilian friends around him.

"It's so important that when you bring in top players they settle as soon as possible and Robinho has certainly done that."