The 24-year-old had been linked with a move to Chelsea this summer but City concluded a deal for the player shortly before the midnight transfer deadline, with the fee believed to be a British record of £32.5million.

The news comes on the day Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment began the process to take over at City, entering a period of due diligence.

Delighted manager Mark Hughes said: "Robinho is one of those players who excites and who can help us go where we want to be. He is an exceptional talent.

"Other clubs wanted him but thankfully we have been able to get the deal right and field him in a Manchester City shirt.

"The process has been ongoing but it gained momentum around 6pm. Things moved quickly and the paperwork has all gone through.

"I have not spoken to Robinho yet, it has been a busy time for the young man. but I look forward to working with him.

"He is a huge talent and his arrival will be a big boost to the players here. It will really lift everyone - that's what top-class players do. We are a club which is going places and we are very, very excited about this signing."