Robinho targets silverware in Chinese adventure

 

The 31-year-old Brazil international is confident his compatriots including coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will help him settle and find his best form in Asia

Brazil international Robinho says he is desperate to become a star for new club Guangzhou Evergrande.

The 31-year-old has joined the Chinese side this week after ending his contract with AC Milan following an extended loan period back in Brazil with Santos.

The former Real Madrid attacker, one of the stars of Brazil’s Copa America campaign last month, has reunited with former Selecao boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in Asia and will join former international colleagues Paulinho and Ricardo Gourlart at the club.

“There are a lot of Brazilians here so that will make it easier to adapt,” he said.

“It is a big challenge for me to come to the Chinese Super League. I have high expectations for myself and I hope I can help my new club win championships. Guangzhou Evergrande is a very unique club.”

Guangzhou sit second in the Chinese Super League and have made it to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, where they will meet Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol.

Robinho, who has signed a six-month deal with the club retaining the option to extend his contract for a further season, made his debut Thursday in a friendly against German champions Bayern Munich.