Robinho : Photos & Profile

ROBINHO

Full name: Robson de Souza Nickname: Robinho Date of birth: 25⁄01-1984
Place of Birth: São Vicente, São Paulo State
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 1.75 m
Position: Forward
National team appearances: 70
Goals for national team: 19
Debut for national team: Brazil vs Mexico, 2003 Gold Cup final
First goal for national team: February 9 2005 vs Hong Kong
Honors: Confederation Cup 2005, 2009, Copa America 2007, Campeonato Brasileiro 2002, 2004, La Liga: 2006-07, 2007-08, Supercopa de España 2008. Personal honors: Top goal scorer at the 2007 Copa America (6 goals), Bola de Ouro 2004


Robson de Souza, or Robinho, is one of the greatest talents to come out of Brazil in recent times. Born in São Vicente, a city near Santos, he was discovered at a very young age and was still a just kid when he made his debut as a professional footballer. By the time he was 18 he was the star of the Santos side that won the Brazilian league in 2002.

Robinho’s life with a football at his feet – or a futsal ball, as it was at the time – began at the Beira-Mar sports club. The club has now disappeared and given way to a sports complex bearing his name, but it was there that Robinho first delighted fans and exasperated opponents with his disconcerting dribbles.

At the age of nine, he scored 73 goals in one season of futsal and, in 1994, his coach Roberto Antônio dos Santos (better known simply as Betinho) took him to play on a full-size pitch at the Associação Atlética dos Portuários, a dockworkers’ club. From there, he quickly moved to the Santos youth academy.

As always, the lad at his side was his faithful teammate, Diego. At first, Robinho was in his teammate’s shadow. When Santos scouts went to see the pair play for the first time it was Diego who caught their eye. But Robinho gradually blossomed and after the two youngsters helped Santos to the São Paulo state Under-17 title in 2001, they were both promoted to the first-team squad.

Santos fans couldn’t believe their luck at seeing two such stars appearing on the scene at the same time. Robinho even won the personal blessing of Pele, who was responsible for coordinating Santos' junior teams at the time.

It was in 2002 that Robinho’s fame began to grow beyond Santos and he soon became known nationwide. In less than a year, he had gone from being a promising youngster to one of the big stars of the Brazilian game. In that year’s national championship race, he helped Santos win the title for the first time in 18 years.

In the final against Santos’s biggest rival Corinthians, he reined supreme. In addition to scoring a goal, he delighted fans with his trademark stepovers. The following year he took Santos to the final of the Libertadores Cup and a year after that he helped them to another Brazilian league title, delighting fans across the country as he helped to bring the joy back to football.

After conquering Brazil, it was time to seek new challenges. It was his former coach at Santos, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who first opened the door to Europe by signing him for Real Madrid, one of the best known clubs in the world, where he was handed the No. 10 shirt.

For his country, Robinho is still practically a novice. However, following Brazil’s disappointing performance at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he was given little chance to show what he can do, he has now become one of the regular strikers in the national team squad and should certainly have a key part to play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.


On September 1, 2008, Robinho completed a €42.5m move to Manchester City.

Return to Santos on loan
On 28 January 2010, Robinho returned to his home club Santos, due to moving down the pecking order at Manchester City, joining them on a 6 month loan deal. He had publicly stated that at Manchester City he would play every other game, and because of the upcoming World Cup, he wanted to play every game, and so returned to Brazil with Santos after declining a move to São Paulo. On his return to Santos, Robinho scored a backheel against aforementioned admirers São Paulo with five minutes to spare to complete a 2–1 victory for the Peixe.In the final match of his loan deal on 4 August, Robinho helped Santos win the Copa Brasil. Although Santos lost 2–1 to Vitória, they won the tie 3–2 on aggregate to win the competition for the first time in their history Shortly afterwards Robinho stated that he wanted to remain with Santos rather than return to England. However, Manchester City refused to extend the loan deal and Santos failed to make a transfer bid.

Return to Manchester City
Robinho returned to training with Manchester City in August 2010 but stated that he was seeking a move away from the club before the end of the summer transfer window on 31 August.Fenerbahçe and Besiktas opened transfer negotiations with Manchester City but Robinho rejected a move to Turkish football, declaring that he would rather move to a club in Spain or Italy.



Milan

On 31 August 2010, Robinho moved to A.C. Milan from Manchester City after signing a four-year contract.He made his debut as a substitute in a 0–2 surprise defeat to newly-promoted Cesena. He started his first game with Milan in their 1-0 win over Genoa. He scored his first goal in injury time against Chievo to make the score 3-1 on October 16, 2010.


Personal preferences

• Dream car: It doesn't matter, as long as it gets me where I want to go
• Favourite colour:Black
• Favourite film:The Scorpion King
• Favourite food:Feijoada (a Brazilian stew)
• Favourite holiday destination:It doesn’t matter where, as long as it’s with my family
• Favourite music:Pagode (a type of Brazilian samba music)
• Favourite other sport:I don't have one. I just like kicking the ball about with friends
• Favourite team:Santos FC
• Greatest pleasure:Being with family
• Heroes:Off the pitch - my dad, on the pitch - Ronaldo
  
  
  

Ac milan vs Chievo 3-0

AC Milan moved to the top of Serie A thanks to a 3-1 win over Chievo this evening, but they were made to work hard for all three points.

Milan: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Thiago Silva (Bonera 63), Antonini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf (Boateng 78); Ronaldinho; Pato (Robinho 69), Ibrahimovic

Chievo: Sorrentino; Frey, Andreolli, Cesar, Mantovani; Bentivoglio (Gelson Fernandes 46), Rigoni, Constant; Bogliacino (Moscardelli 80); Pellissier, Granoche (Thereau 46

Alexandre Pato scored twice against the run of play in the first half to set the Rossoneri on their way to the top.

VIDEO Ac milan vs Chievo 3-0


An own goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 71st minute gave Chievo hope, but Robinho ended their dreams in stoppage time with his first goal for Milan sending them above Lazio into first place.

Chievo made it clear they were not just making up the numbers as they made a bold start to the game with Kevin Constant, a surprise inclusion in their midfield, particularly lively.

They did most of the attacking from start to finish, but fell behind to Milan's first counter attack in the 16th minute.

Clarence Seedorf started the attack from deep in his own half and he sent Luca Antonini forward down the left.

The Milan full-back passed the ball wide to Ibrahimovic, who picked out Pato at the far post and the Brazilian volleyed the ball back across Stefano Sorrentino into the opposite corner of his goal.

Pablo Granoche should have done better with a header from eight yards after being found by Constant's cross in the 24th minute before an excellent team move in the 28th minute culminated in Constant shooting straight at Abbiati, who made an instinctive save to deny him.

The ball fell back to Constant, who was denied again by the Milan goalkeeper.

Chievo were continuing to pose the greater threat, but a quick free-kick from Ibrahimovic sent Pato through to double Milan's lead against the run of play on the half-hour mark.

Sorrentino then denied Pato a hat-trick with a good save on the stroke of half time.

Chievo continued to believe in their chances of getting back into the game and substitute Cyril Thereau tested Abbiati with a curling 30-yard shot which was tipped over the crossbar.

They finally got the goal they deserved in the 71st minute when Sergio Pellissier flicked a corner on with his head and the ball took a deflection off Ibrahimovic's shoulder to divert into the top corner of the goal.

Gelson Fernandes nearly levelled three minutes later with a shot wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area, but the Flying Donkeys ran out of steam.

Robinho pounced with the Chievo defence stretched to round Sorrentino and stroke the ball in for his first goal for the Rossoneri in stoppage time to seal the 3-1 victory.

SAN SIRO, HOW TO GET THERE ?

SAN SIRO STADIUM : A gift from Pirelli

The San Siro (named after the saint who had a chapel dedicated to him in this suburb) stadium was a gift from the Milan president Piero Pirelli (in charge from 1909 for twenty years) to 'his Milan'. The stadium was built in just 13 and a half months, thanks to the work of 120 construction workers. The total cost of the operation came to five million lire which in today's terms would translate to three and a half million euro. The stadium was designed by Ulisse Stacchini, the architect whose other major work in the city was the Milan Central Station, and renowned engineer Alberto Cugini.

HOW TO GET THERE ?
The San Siro stadium is about 6 km away from the centre of Milan and is easily reachable in various ways.

With public transport
* Subway: linea MM1 (rossa) fermata LOTTO, poi si prosegue a piedi lungo viale Caprilli fino allo Stadio. In occasione delle partite di calcio esiste un servizio di navette dalle fermate della linea MM1 di LOTTO e di LAMPUGNANO (parcheggio di interscambio).
* Bus: line 49 from Piazza Tirana (station FS San Cristoforo) to the Lotto square, Piazza Axum stop;
* Autobus: line 78 from Via Govone to Via Lorenteggio, Via Tesio stop.
* Tram: line 16 from Piazza Fontana (Duomo) to San Siro, stop at the Via Dessiè terminal.

Usually, on the days of the Milan games, a shuttle service is prepared from Piazzale Lotto (MM1 stop – red) starting from two hours before the kick-off.

By Car * From A1 (Autostrada del Sole): after the Melegnano barrier take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Malpensa and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro.
* From A4 (Milano-Torino): at the Milano Nord barrier take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Linate and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro.
* From A4 (Milano-Venezia): at the Milano Nord barrier continue towards Milan and take the Milano Certosa exit. Then follow the indications towards San Siro.
* From A7 (Milano-Genova): at the Milano barrier Sud take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Malpensa and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro.
* From A8 (Milano-Laghi): at the Milano Nord barrier take the Tangenziale Ovest towards Linate and exit in Milan Via Novara. Then follow the indications for San Siro.

By train
* From the Milano Central Station, Milano Porta Garibaldi, Milano Lambrate: take Line 2 of the subway (Green Line) towards Abbiategrasso, go down at the Cadorna FN stop. From here take Line 1 (Red Line) towards Rho Fiera and go down at the Lotto stop.
* From the Porta Genova Station: take Line 2 of the subway (Green Line) towards Cologno/Gessate, at Cardorna FN take Line 2 (Red Line) towards Rho Fiera at the Lotto stop.
* From the Cardorna station: take Line 1 (Red Line) towards Rho-Fiera and go down at the Lotto stop

By airplane
From LINATE AIRPORT: Take the Line 73 bus up to San Babila MM1. Continue with the sybway Line MM1 towards Rho Fiera, and go down at the Lotto stop.
From MALPENSA AIRPORT: Use the train connection Malpensa Express up to Cadorna FN. Continue then wih the subway Line MM1 towards Rho Fiera, and go down at the Lotto stop.
From ORIO AL SERIO AIRPORT: Use the bus connection up to Milano Centrale, then continue with Line 2 of the subway owards Abbiategrasso, go down at the Cadorna FN stop. Here take Line 1 (Red Line) towards Rho Fiera and go down at the Lotto stop.

Milan 1 Genoa 0, Bravo Ibra!!

MILAN: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Boateng; Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho.
GENOA: Eduardo; Chico, Dainelli, Ranocchia, Criscito; Rafinha, Kharja, Veloso; Palacio, Toni, Mesto.

AC Milan closed the gap on Serie A leaders Inter as they edged out Genoa with a 1-0 victory at the San Siro.

The visitors initially had a much clearer game plan and were even denied by the woodwork in what proved to be a rather eventless opening period.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Milan ahead with a trademark goal shortly after the break as he shrugged off two defenders to stab a shot over Eduardo with an outstretched leg.

The hosts were much more comfortable from then on and missed a number of chances to put the game beyond doubt, although they still held out to celebrate a much needed win, which allows them to cut the gap at the top to two points ahead of Inter’s clash with Roma.

Milan’s first real scoring chance fell to Robinho on 18 minutes when he was served on the counter-attack by fellow countryman Ronaldinho. The former Manchester City forward struck a low drive towards the far post, but it did little to trouble Eduardo inside the Genoa goal.

Genoa looked threatening going forward and the home rearguard had much to think about as they looked to contain Luca Toni’s strength and Giandomenico Mesto’s movement.

Gennaro Gattuso made a great run off the ball on 26 minutes and forced a great save from Eduardo as he latched onto Ronaldinho’s neat pass to fire on target from close range. The move underlined Milan’s ability to threaten but also the distinct lack in runs from the forwards.

Rodrigo Palacio gave them a scare on the stroke of half-time as his cross towards the back post struck the woodwork following Abbiati’s soft punch.

The deadlock was finally broken on 49 minutes when Ibrahimovic knocked the ball over the ‘keeper with an outstretched leg. Despite being hounded by two defenders, the hitman showed great strength as he gave Milan the lead with a trademark goal.

The Rossoneri were far more creative in the second period and Ronaldinho almost doubled their lead as he attempted a floated chip from 18 yards on the hour mark.

With the clock ticking down, Genoa made good in-roads down the flanks but were far less threatening in front of goal as they failed to get threatening crosses into the box.

Robinho almost slotted home a second late on following a wonderful exchange with Clarence Seedorf down the left. Despite the goal-line clearance from Criscito, it was a fine move by the Samba star who finally showed what he can bring to the side when at full fitness.

With few ideas in the closing stages there was no way back for Genoa. Milan celebrated their second league win of the season to momentarily reduce Inter’s lead at the top to two points.

Although it may not have been a resounding victory for his side, coach Allegri will have been delighted to return to winning ways and given the form of Ibrahimovic there is much to fill the Rossoneri with confidence as they continue to search for a balance between attack and defence.
Milan vs genoa video highlight
bravo ibra !!

lazio 1 milan 1, ibra score

Sergio Floccari's equaliser prevented AC Milan from returning to winning ways tonight as Lazio earned a deserved point at the Stadio Olimpico.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had given the Rossoneri a 1-0 lead in the 66th minute only for Lazio to hit back with nine minutes remaining.

Milan were unlucky not to claim all three points after Gianluca Zambrotta's strike rattled the crossbar two minutes from time.

The result marked Milan's second straight draw and their third game without a win under new boss Massimiliano Allegri.

Ibrahimovic should have given the visitors a seventh-minute lead but the Swede failed to beat Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in a one-on-one.

Shortly afterwards, Ibrahimovic got behind Andrea Pirlo's free-kick and beat his marker before firing a right-footed strike that Muslera turned away for a corner.

On the half-hour mark, Lazio had their first chance.

Floccari fed Hernanes on the edge of the area and he fired just wide of the far post.

Lazio should have taken the lead before the break but Stefano Mauri's 15-yard strike was met by a fine save by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Shortly after the restart, Floccari's attempt from outside the area was kept out by Abbiati

On the hour, Abbiati cleared Hernanes' 14-yard shot with his knee as Milan's defence looked to be under constant threat.

But it was Milan that took a surprise lead after the hour mark.

A defensive distraction from Lazio saw Ibrahimovic connect with Clarence Seedorf's pass and he struck the ball past Muslera to put his team in front.

Lazio coach Edoardo Reja brought in attacking duo Tommaso Rocchi and Mauro Zarate.

But it was Floccari that came to the rescue for the home side.

Hernanes' cross found Floccari at the heart of the area and his left-footed strike towards the top left corner beat Abbiati.

Lazio still could have claimed victory had Abbiati not made a great save to deny Hernanes from close range with one minute to go.

Milan 1 Catania 1

MILAN: Abbiati, Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Boateng, Pirlo, Seedorf; Ronaldinho, Inzaghi, Ibrahimovic.
CATANIA: Andujar; Potenza, Silvestre, Spolli, Capuano; Carboni; Mascara, Izco, Biagianti, Ricchiuti; Lopez.

Milan failed to keep their 100 percent record at San Siro after being held by a determined Catania outfit during Saturday evening's posticipo.

The Rossoneri started brightly but were stunned on 27 minutes when Ciro Capuano made the most of a poor clearance to rifle home a volleyed finish from long range. Filippo Inzaghi levelled proceedings on the stroke of half time as he stabbed home in the six yard box in trademark fashion.

Milan threw everything at the visitors after the break but they lacked the luck in the final third needed to find the winning goal.

Both sides were forced to settle for a draw which moves them up to four points apiece in the standings. Despite an improved all round performance, the Diavolo left the field discontent after failing to win at San Siro for the first time this term.

A slow start to the encounter favoured Milan who took an early hold of possession looking to work from the back. Inzaghi was served with a golden chance on 13 minutes, but the usually razor sharp hitman snuffed his effort just yards from goal.

The Rossoneri looked far more convincing than their midweek showing in the Champions League and Massimiliano Allegri’s men dictated proceedings as they worked the ball around rapidly in attack.

Capuano stunned the home crowd on 26 minutes when he buried a shot into the back of the net from 25 yards. The Diavolo were stunned but there was little Christian Abbiati could do to block a stunning effort. The goal put the wind in Catania’s sails and Marco Giampaolo’s outfit were a different side, boosted by the lead.

Milan got themselves back into the game, however, on the stroke of half time when Inzaghi stabbed home following a rifled assist from Ronaldinho. The goal had been coming for the Rossoneri and they merited the equaliser for their insistent approach.


The Diavolo came out firing after the break and were unlucky not to take the lead when Mariano Andujar beat away Clarance Seedorf’s well taken strike.

Milan continued to get men forward in numbers but Catania were well organised at the back and made life difficult as they paid extra attention to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Giuseppe Mascara attempted a speculative drive on 65 minutes, but the Elefanti marksman could not find the bottom corner as Abbiati read the effort attentively.

Despite a late push the Rossoneri were unable to find the match-winning goal. Allegri’s men left the field with a point and the coach was left happy with the improved performance despite failure to secure victory.

The result leaves Milan two points off leaders Chievo after having played a game more than the Gialloblu. After holding the Rossoneri in the same fixture last year, Catania returned from the San Siro with another point, a feat which the Elefanti had never completed twice in a row before this evening.

Milan vs Catania Preview

Milan vs Catania Preview
Probable Line-Ups:

AC Milan (4-4-3) – Massimiliano Allegri
Christian Abbiati; Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf; Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho.

Calcio Catania (4-3-1-2) – Marco Giampaolo
Mariano Andujar; Ciro Capuano, Nicolás Spolli, Matías Silvestre, Alessandro Potenza; Marco Biagianti, Ezequiel Carboni, Mariano Izco; Adrian Ricchiuti; Giuseppe Mascara; Maxi López.

The Rossoneri will be trying to stay on the right track and win this match. Once again, less than three points would be surprising and disappointing.

The Rossazzurri have a lot to give, as with players like Maxi Lopez, they would be able to surprise the “Milanticos” tomorrow night.

The last time Milan faced Catania it was 11/4/2010. Maxi López scored first (12′) for Catania and Adrian Ricchiuti doubled it (43′). In the second half, Milan bounced back with Marco Borriello’s brace (48′, 80′).

Milan have played only three official matches this season and already from the beginning, you could see the same old problems in defense and midfield.

Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva played only once together, but for Catania match, they are expected to play, with Gianluca Zambrotta or Daniele Bonera as right-back and Luca Antonini on the left.

With Massimo Ambrosini out injured, Kevin-Prince Boateng will take his place in midfield. The Ghanaian played a very good match in the midweek Champions League match against Auxerre, and he will start along with Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf, as Mathieu Flamini is still injured.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still not at his best but he’s already got off the mark with a brace against the French side on Wednesday, as Ronaldinho was the main player in the set-up of the goals. Alexandre Pato is out for three weeks and Robinho will replace him in 4-3-3.

Milan were not brilliant, but still effective against Auxerre. They remain Scudetto contenders despite last week’s 2-0 defeat to A.C. Cesena, and they will try to leapfrog Inter, who are one point ahead.

Star Man: Ibrahimovic is a great striker, but still, Ronaldinho is Milan’s star man for this match. When the Brazilian is good, the players around him are good. Ronie must try to play like he did against Lecce, and if he does that, victory is almost guaranteed.

Injury List: Ambrosini, Flamini and Pato are out. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is doubtful.

Catania have not yet reached the full potential, as this is only the start of the season. Coming off as clear underdogs, the Rossazzurri will still be playing for all the three points and will definitely not only defend.

Marco Giampaolo’s side beat Parma 2-1 last week, but it took two penalties, which were scored by Mirko Antenucci and Giuseppe Mascara. Giampaolo knows his men must improve.

“We suffered out there today,” Giampaolo declared after Parma match. “I am aware we need to improve in all areas. Our physical condition is still not what it should be and the sharpness is still yet to arrive. Nevertheless, the three points are very precious because they bring moral to the group. I am happy for the boys, but I don’t want to settle for this as we still need to step up a level.”

Catania are South America, as they have 11 players from Argentina and one from Brazil. They have always caused problems for Milan, as last season they were in 2-0 lead before Marco Borriello scored a brace.

Star Man: Maxi Lopez is still out of form. The Argentine was the hero of last season when he arrived in January and scored 11 goals in 17 matches. Despite not scoring yet this year, Lopez is Catania’s most important man. He’s expected to start alongside Giuseppe Mascara and Adrian Ricchiuti.

Injury List: Fabio Sciacca, Cristian Llama and Blazej Augustin are unavailable.