While Cristiano Ronaldo did not end up moving to the Bernabeu
during the summer, despite Ramon Calderon's best efforts, Robinho
did make the switch to Manchester.
But it is at Eastlands, not Old Trafford, where the Brazilian
trickster now plies his trade, after completing a record-breaking
€42 million transfer on deadline day.
The 24-year-old has settled well in the Premier League,
delighting crowds with not only his skill but, as manager Mark
Hughes claimed, his courage and determination.
Manchester City will host their red neighbours on November 30,
and Robinho is looking forward to his first meeting with Ronaldo -
and the rest of United's richly talented squad, of course.
"I have not met Cristiano yet, everyone knows he is a fantastic
player," the ex-Santos star told The Sun.
"But United are not just Ronaldo, they have players like Wayne
Rooney, Nani and lots of others who are very good."
Ronaldo himself may disagree, inasmuch as he seems to think he
alone should occupy the top three places in the Ballon d'Or and
FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
The Portuguese superstar is entitled to feel confident, however,
after steering the Red Devils to a memorable double last term with
his 42-goal haul.
But Robinho stressed that, at the end of the day, football is a
team game.
"Manchester United are an excellent team," he continued.
"They won the Premier League and Champions League last season, but
football is 11 against 11 and nothing is certain.
"I know all about the rivalry in the city and what this game
means to the supporters, and I hope we can win."
