Shay Given believes Robinho can still have a future at Manchester City Football Club.

The Brazilian signalled the beginning of City’s cash-rich era when he was signed from Real Madrid in the summer of 2008, for a British record £32.5million.

Despite occasional flashes of brilliance his stay in England has been disappointing, and in January, he agreed a return to Santos for the remainder of the season.

Robinho has made no secret of his desire to remain at his temporary club on a permanent basis, but Given believes he can come back to Eastlands and become a Blues idol.

“He’s gone back to Santos to prepare for the World Cup,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sports. Hopefully he’ll do well there and he’ll come back to us a better player.

“I just think he was out a long time with injury. Playing out in Brazil will sharpen him up for the World Cup and in the long term it will be of benefit to Manchester City.”

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