Brazilian Robinho presented as a Santos player

Brazilian Robinho presented as a Santos player

Brazilian striker Robinho waves to the crowd during his presentation in Santos February 1, 2010. Robinho arrived in Brazil on Saturday to begin a six-month loan spell with Santos from English Premier League side Manchester City. The 26-year-old asked City for the loan move in a bid to improve his chances of making Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad after struggling in England.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 1 -- Former Real Madrid and Manchester City forward Robinho was presented as a Santos player in Santos on Monday, walking out of a helicopter with Pele to be greeted by thousands of fans.

Manchester City announced last week that it was sending the 26-year-old Brazilian on a six-month loan deal to Santos, where he made his breakthrough and hopes to revive his form after being used sparingly in England.

A figurine of Brazilian striker Robinho is displayed during his presentation in Santos February 1, 2010. Robinho arrived in Brazil on Saturday to begin a six-month loan spell with Santos from English Premier League side Manchester City. The 26-year-old asked City for the loan move in a bid to improve his chances of making Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad after struggling in England.

"Robinho's experience will be a key thing," Pele said. "A player like Robinho will be a great example for the younger players at Santos."

Robinho moved from Real Madrid to Manchester City in 2008 for a British-record fee of 32.5 million pounds, becoming the first signing following Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club.

He scored 12 goals in his first 19 games but netted only once this season, at Scunthorpe in an FA Cup victory.

Robinho, who will wear No. 7 at Santos, acknowledged he returned to secure his World Cup spot.

"One of my objectives is to go to the World Cup and play well," the forward said. "Playing well at Santos will prepare me for the national team and having a good World Cup."

Robinho is scheduled to return to Man City on Aug. 4. Until then, the Premier League club has said that Santos "will assume all of the player's contract terms, including wages and bonuses."

Fans take photographs of an image of Brazilian striker Robinho at the Santos soccer club trophy room in Santos February 1, 2010. Robinho arrived in Brazil on Saturday to begin a six-month loan spell with Santos from English Premier League side Manchester City. The 26-year-old asked City for the loan move in a bid to improve his chances of making Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad after struggling in England.

Brazilian striker Robinho (L) and soccer legend Pele attend a media conference during his presentation in Santos February 1, 2010. Robinho arrived in Brazil on Saturday to begin a six-month loan spell with Santos from English Premier League side Manchester City. The 26-year-old asked City for the loan move in a bid to improve his chances of making Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad after struggling in England.

Brazilian striker Robinho attends a practice session in Santos February 1, 2010. Robinho arrived in Brazil on Saturday to begin a six-month loan spell with Santos from English Premier League side Manchester City. The 26-year-old asked City for the loan move in a bid to improve his chances of making Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad after struggling in England.
(Reuters)