10 of the most memorable transfer related quotes in football history

#4 Robinho on his shock move from Real Madrid to Manchester City, 2008

Confusion abounded when Robinho's move to Manchester City was announced

“Chelsea? No, Manchester, sorry!”

Brazilian winger Robinho was hot property back in the summer of 2008, as he’d been tearing things up in La Liga for Real Madrid, but found himself unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu and supposedly even broke down in tears in front of Real’s club president in order to try to force a move away from the Spanish giants.

Chelsea were the most interested party, had the money to spend, and a deal was expected to be reached in time for that summer’s deadline day. Robinho even headed to Stamford Bridge for contract talks. But newly-minted with billions following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi group, Manchester City swooped in from nowhere with a £32.5m bid.

Chelsea weren’t willing to match such a huge fee and so the winger was off to Manchester, not London – except apparently, nobody had told Robinho this. During the press conference to announce his signing, Robinho stated, “on the last day of transfers, Chelsea made a good offer for me personally, and good for Real Madrid, and it was accepted” before someone quickly pointed out his mistake.

“Chelsea? No, Manchester, sorry!” was his follow-up, quickly correcting his gaffe – which must’ve been hugely embarrassing for City, who were already being viewed with suspicion due to the money they were willing to throw around. Robinho’s mistake almost summed the insanity of the whole situation up.