Italian court has sentenced former Brazil men’s national team Robinho to nine years in prison after he was found guilty םכ a sexual assault that happened in 2013. He is also ordered to pay $71,000 to the victim.
Robinho, who is currently playing for Brazilian soccer team Atletico Mineiro, denied the allegations from the start and will fight the decision. According to Italy’s legal system, the court’s verdict will be placed on hold until all levels of appeal are exhausted.
“Concerning the case involving the forward Robinho, in an incident that occurred some years ago, I want to make clear that my client has already defended himself from these accusations, affirming that he did not have any participation in this episode,” – said on Thursday Robinho’s lawyer Marisa Alija adding that “all the legal measures are being taken regarding this initial decision.“
It is important to note that even if Robinho’s appeal isn’t successful, he will serve no time in Italy since Brazil does not extradite its citizens.
Robinho started his professional career in 2002, playing for Brazilian side Santos. From 2002 to 202 he scored 47 goals in 108 appearances and was considered one of the Brazil’s biggest soccer talents. Multiple Europe’s biggest clubs wanted to sign Robinho, but he eventually picked Real Madrid and joined the club in 2005. In Madrid, Robinho replicated his form from Santos and was one of the team’s top performers. After three seasons with Real Madrid, Robinho tried to renegotiate his contract but didn’t like the club’s offer. Real then decided to sell him to Manchester City in a blockbuster transfer in 2008. Although Robinho had a good first season with the City, he failed to live up to the expectations and eventually returned to Santos on a loan in 2010. He never managed to find his old form and played in Italy and China before eventually returning to Brazil in 2016.
