Ex-Real Madrid, Man City star arrested over sexual assault case

Former Real Madrid and Manchester City star Robinho was arrested in Santos, Brazil to serve his nine-year prison sentence for his sexual assault conviction in Italy going all the way back to 2017.

He had been slapped with nearly a decade’s sentence in 2013 when he was playing for AC Milan in Italy. Fortunately for him, Brazil does not allow the extradition of its citizens. 

Therefore, Italy said that Robinho, who has also played for Man City, should serve his punishment in Brazil, as per the Independent's report.

While his hearings were ongoing, Robinho left the country, evading arrest and also denied any wrongdoing.

Law enforcers arrested the former star from his apartment in Santos on Thursday night, a day after Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice upheld the Italian court’s ruling.

Robinho, who played for the Cityzens in 53 matches, however, claimed the sentence is a result of racism in Italy.

“I was convicted in Italy unjustly for something that did not happen and I have all the evidence to show that. I played four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories of racism," he said in a recent conversation with Record TV.

“Unfortunately, it happens today. That happened in 2013 and today we are in 2024, which leads me to believe that the same people who do nothing against racism are the same ones who they condemned at my trial.

“If my trial were for a white person, it would be totally different, without a doubt.”

Remember, during his prime, Robinho was widely recognised as one of the best and most skilful players in the world. Following his heroics with his boyhood club Santos FC, the Brazilian earned a move to the Spanish capital where he went on to represent Real Madrid in 137 matches, scoring 35 goals and providing 27 assists.

Comments

Submit