Robinho wants to play for R. Madrid, Santos angry

Brazil striker Robinho said on Wednesday he hoped to move to Real Madrid, bringing an angry reaction from his club Santos.

"I hope to play for Real Madrid. I have spoken to Real Madrid and it will be good for my career to go now," he said.

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said any club that wants to buy Robinho before his contract ends in 2008 would have to pay a $50 million penalty.

Teixeira, who has been fighting to keep Robinho at Santos in the face of persistent rumours of a move abroad, accused Real Madrid of behaving unethically by approaching Robinho without talking to the club.

"It's a lack of respect for Santos. They might have economic and financial power but it doesn't mean that they can do what they want," Teixeira said. He added that living and playing in Europe would not be easy. "There are a series of problems and difficulties which Robinho is not aware of."