Robinho faces City questions

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The Brazil frontman flew out of City's warm-weather training camp in Tenerife on Monday to return home and, although he has now claimed he needed to attend an urgent family matter, Blues boss Mark Hughes was believed to be unaware of his departure.

A senior City official, when informed of a statement on Robinho's personal website where the 12-goal striker vowed to be back in Manchester in time to face Newcastle at Eastlands on January 28, tersely replied: "An apology to Mark would have been nice as well."

So, with chief executive Garry Cook confirming a "breach of internal discipline" had occurred, unless further internal investigations reveal Robinho did inform another member of the Blues coaching staff he was flying back to South America, a financial penalty seems certain.

Not that Robinho is attempting to widen a rift with his club.

The 24-year-old insists he will smooth the problems out once he gets back to the UK.

"I will return to the club and hope to sort this out as soon as possible," he said. "I am committed to helping Manchester City become the force the owners assured me they will become."

Chris Nathaniel, NVA Management chief executive and personal advisor to Robinho, added: "It is unfortunate that the portrayal of Robinho's decision to fly to Brazil has been cast in such a negative light.

"I have no doubts that this will all be cleared up when Robinho returns to the UK. The player is impressed by the owner's visions for the club and loves the passion of the City fans."