The 24-year-old Brazilian inspired Manchester City in their 6-0 hammering of Portsmouth on Sunday, and scored his second goal in three matches since joining from Real Madrid.

work ethic

City manager Hughes said: "Robinho is not only technically an outstanding player but he has got a great work ethic as well and he understands the game.

"He understands how he can affect the game in the right way and he picks the right passes at right time, and I think that has been key to his performances."

Meanwhile, the club's new chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insists he can help unlock City's hidden potential.

The 32-year-old businessman has been installed as chairman by the new owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who formally takes over the club on Tuesday, and he was at Eastlands to witness the win over Portsmouth.

Al Mubarak said: "We are looking towards the long-term development of Manchester City.

"The club boasts three foundation assets that are hard to ignore - its unique and passionate fan base, a strong management team and an academy that is arguably the best in the country.

"There is a huge potential to build on these assets to ensure the club achieves the ultimate levels of success."