Mancini ready to take Robinho back at City

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is ready to make peace with Robinho if the Brazil forward is willing to raise his game for the Premier League club.

Mancini sent Robinho on loan to Santos for the second half of last season after growing tired of the former Real Madrid star’s lacklustre displays.

Despite costing a British record €49 million in 2008, Robinho failed to live up to his billing at Eastlands and was even hauled off by Mancini soon after coming on as a substitute in a defeat against Everton in January. Yet Robinho’s form improved dramatically back in Brazil and he also impressed for his country at the World Cup.

Asked if he had any concerns about Robinho’s return, Mancini said: “At this moment, no. But it depends on him.

“The situation is that Robinho will finish his contract with ­Santos. After that he will stay in Brazil for another week, play for the national team and after that he will return to Manchester City.”