Real's Robinho determined to join Chelsea

(GETTY IMAGES)

Brazil forward Robinho said today he was determined to leave Real Madrid and sign for Chelsea before the transfer deadline expires next weekend.

"I've told the president, the directors and the coach that my aim is to leave Real Madrid," the 24-year-old told Spanish news agency EFE in an interview.

"I'm telling the truth. I want to leave and I have got the character to tell the press that I'm not aiming to stay at Real Madrid...I want to play in the Premier League next season," he added.

"Chelsea have a great squad, a great team and their offer is good for me and for the team...It isn't because of money, it is simply because I want to leave. My personal aim is to be the best player in the world and that isn't going to be possible at Real Madrid."

Robinho is reported to be unhappy because Real were prepared to sell him in order to raise funds in their unsuccessful attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and for the club's refusal to release him to play at the Olympic Games.

The Brazilian, who joined Real from Santos in August 2005 after a tug-of-war transfer saga, had been a target of Chelsea and their new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for most of the off-season before the West London club made a formal offer for him on 7 August.

No terms of the bid were made public, though British media reports said at the time that Chelsea were prepared to pay £20m.

CHELSEA OFFER

Last week Real president Ramon Calderon said the player would not be leaving, while coach Bernd Schuster has said that Robinho is an important part of his future plans.

However, Spanish media reported on Friday that Real could reconsider their position if Chelsea made an offer of around £32m.

When trying to sign Ronaldo, Real president Calderon said that an unhappy player should always be allowed to move club.

Robinho said the same policy should apply to him and he should be permitted to leave.

"I've finished my cycle. I've played three seasons at Real Madrid and have given everything. I have scored goals, won two leagues and that isn't easy. I think my period at Real Madrid has come to an end," he said.

"I hope the directors reach an agreement with Chelsea to resolve my situation as quickly as possible."

Robinho is a regular in the Brazilian national side and was instrumental in their triumph in the 2007 edition of the Copa America, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with six goals.