Manchester City winger Robinho is pining for a return to the Brazilian championship.
Robinho excited fans who idolised him as a teenager when he called for the Sao Paulo club to get in touch with City and his father-cum-agent Gilvan de Souza if they were keen to do a deal, says the Daily Mail.
He broke his silence after a friend claimed the Brazil forward was fed up of sitting on the bench at Eastlands - particularly after suffering the ignominy of being a substituted substitute during the defeat by Everton on Saturday.
Luciano Batista, who was once supported by Robinho and Pele in a failed bid to be elected Santos president, did his profile no harm on Wednesday by claiming he could bring back a player who left for the riches of Europe five years ago.
Talking of a telephone conversation with the player, Batista said: "Robinho said that it is a complicated situation and that he wants to play.
"He believes that if he were competing in the Sao PauloChampionship, he would certainly be playing.
"Robinho dreams of returning to Santos. If the club president allows, I will call him to talk on behalf of the club. From there, we will try to make it happen."
Robinho moved quickly to deny he had spoken to Batista, but didn't dismiss a return to a club he still feels a deep connection to.
"Luciano does not represent me,' he said. 'My father takes care of my business. That call did not exist.
"If Santos want to sign me, they would have to talk to my father and Manchester City, who are the club with which I have a contract. I have great affection for Santos."
