Hughes Bites Back At Schuster

Robinho's £32.4million deadline-day move to Eastlands from the Bernabeu was undoubtedly the shock of the summer, especially as the Brazilian forward appeared certain to join Chelsea.

It is common knowledge that Schuster wanted to keep hold of the 24-year-old, who had become disillusioned with life at los Merengues after realising he was expendable in the eyes of Ramon Calderon - despite the president's claims to the contrary.

The German tactician vented his frustration recently by questioning why such a prodigious talent would want to leave one of the world's biggest clubs to play for "a mediocre club in England".

And Hughes has bit back, insisting that Schuster is clearly upset that Robinho sees City as the more attractive option.

The Welshman told The Times: “He's obviously a bit emotional about the situation. He's lost one of his better players and I know for a fact he didn't want to lose him.

“Irrespective of what other people think, we're trying to go in the right direction and that's what Robinho has seen.

“He's not come to a club that's going to be mid-table for the next few years, he's come to a club that he feels is going places. Maybe in the next few years we can change Schuster's view on Robinho's decision.

“I think he knows what is happening. Nobody usually goes to a club like Real Madrid and takes one of their best players.”

Kieran Quentin