Chelsea have 'refuted' Real Madrid's criticism regarding their conduct in the bid to sign Robinho. Brazilian striker Robinho held a press conference on Sunday to reiterate his desire to join Chelsea before the transfer window closed.
Real responded by issuing a statement which hit out at Chelsea's behaviour, particularly an incident which saw shirts bearing Robinho's name go on sale on the club's website. But the Blues have now defended their interest in Robinho, having made a formal offer, and say the shirt incident was 'a regrettable accident'.
"There is nothing wrong with publicly confirming our interest in a player when the club involved is well aware of it, has been in receipt of two bids and is negotiating to sell the player," read Chelsea's statement.
"So we completely refute any criticism from Real Madrid. "As for the issue regarding the website, Real are well aware this was a regrettable accident by an external supplier which was rectified as soon as it was brought to our attention and not a single shirt was sold."
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari admits he is uncertain if Robinho will be part of his squad for the rest of the season. Scolari has expressed a wish to work with his compatriot, but is leaving the transfer negotiations in the hands of Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon.
"About Robinho, it is not my business," said Scolari. "I don't know nothing. You know what I know - zero! "Ask Peter Kenyon or (Real Madrid president Ramon) Calderon. I didn't think about Robinho in the last few days because I needed to train my players. "He is not my player. When one player is my player I will say something."




