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Manchester City's Robinho celebrates - Source: Reuters -
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Manchester City striker Robinho has demanded that Pele retract remarks he allegedly made last week which insinuated that the Brazil international took drugs.
Pele allegedly made the accusation whilst speaking at a private function in Brazil, telling attendees that Robinho and close friend Ronaldo both had past problems with drugs.
According to media reports, Pele was unaware he was being recorded and his alleged remarks were later reported by the Brazilian media.
Both Robinho and Manchester City have denied the allegations with a statement on Robinho's official website saying:
"A formal retraction from Pele will be requested, if what he said was not misinterpreted by the media that published it.
"And if Pele does not come forward, he will have to deal with his very unfortunate comment in court."
The statement added: "Robinho is upset and disappointed at Pele, who seems to have forgotten the great idol he was."
Former Real Madrid player Robinho was raised at Santos, the same Brazilian club where Pele spent nearly all his career.
Likened to Pele
When he first burst onto the scene, teenager Robinho was likened to Pele because of his physique and trickery on the ball.
After a troubled spell at Real Madrid the 25-year-old became a record British signing in September after he was snatched from under the nose of Chelsea to join Manchester City for 32.5 million pounds in the dying minutes of the summer transfer window.
Robinho's short time in the UK has been marred by controversy, with rumours of dressing room bust-ups, where he was fined by City manager Mark Hughes after reportedly leaving a training camp in Spain without permission.
He was also questioned by police over an alleged sexual assault for which Robinho denies any wrong doing.
Lack of direction
His lack of direction on the pitch for Manchester City, who despite becoming the richest club in Britain at the start of the 08/09 season are currently sitting tenth on the Premier League table, has also been cause for concern.
In the past few weeks Robinho has been linked with a move away from Eastlands at the end of the current season, but Hughes insists he is still part of his long term plans,
"He is in my plans long term. People who say otherwise are just being mischievous," Hughes said.
"He is an outstanding player who wants to be part of what we are doing, but he is also a professional football player and he doesn't enjoy getting beaten."
"There is no reason for anybody to think Robinho is not playing well for any other reason than the opposition stopping him." Hughes said.
