Robinho: I did not run away

Manchester City striker Robinho has rubbished claims that he ran away from the Tenerife training camp.

And the Brazilian believes it would be unfair if he was fined. Robinho reportedly left the week long training camp to sort out personal matters in Brazil.

But manager Mark Hughes has said that the 24-year-old did not have his consent to go, something which Robinho strongly refutes.

The former Real Madrid star is due back in Manchester on Sunday and is expected to start against Newcastle regardless of the situation.

"I said goodbye to everyone before I went to the airport, they saw me with my suitcase," Robinho told The People.

"I did not run away and I did not hide. The club knew. How can I be fined? I don't think that would be fair.

"I did not go back to Brazil to party but to sort out a personal problem and I would never have left if we'd had a game.

"I don't understand the controversy that this story has caused. I had to resolve an urgent personal issue, that's all there is to it.

"If we had a game this weekend this problem would have been resolved by another form and I would have stayed in Manchester."

The striker was defiant that he wanted to remain at City and re-iterated that he had no issues with Hughes.

"I have a contract at City and I am going to stay here. I want to triumph in England and fight to be top goalscorer," he added.

"I repeat that I have no problems with Hughes, not before and not now. I did not come here just for the money but for the exciting sporting project where I am going to have an important role to play."

The reason behind the Brazilian international's trip back home was reportedly so he could sort out a passport out for his 13-month old son and not because he was in a strop over the Kaka saga.

"That is nonsense. I only found out he (Kaka) hadn't signed when I was halfway to Brazil," Robinho explained.

"I am a friend of his and I tried to convince him to come , but it is difficult to change Kaka's mind once it is made up.

"I don't think he is convinced by the idea of playing in England. Without a doubt he would have been a great signing but Kaka has rejected the offer and there is nothing we can do.

"City can be one of the big clubs in England if things are done properly. If Kaka has not come then it is not the end of the world.

"Before everything I am a professional and I play with the team-mates that I have. We have to keep fighting for City and hope that next season other big stars arrive."