Madrid 'will not stand in Robinho's way'

Chelsea could be close to wrapping up the signing of Robinho after Real Madrid announced last night they will not keep the striker at the club against his wishes.

The 24-year-old has made no secret of his desire to leave the Bernabeu, making it clear he wants to join compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge.

Last night, his current employers issued a statement on club website www.realmadrid.com insisting they will not stand in his way.

"Real Madrid would never want to retain a player against his wishes and as a result they have no alternative but to accept his unilateral decision to rescind his contract if that is what the player wants," read the Spanish champions' statement.

Earlier yesterday, Robinho revealed he has no intention of remaining with Madrid and wants to join Chelsea "as soon as possible".

He has long been linked with an exit from the Spanish capital, and is believed to be upset with the club directors after they refused to allow him to represent his country in the Beijing Olympics.

On Thursday he denied any rifts with Madrid, but insisted it remains his dream to play in England.

"It's not my objective to continue at Real Madrid," he said in remarks reported by Brazilian website globoesporte.com.

"I highly respect the club, the players, and especially the fans, who've always treated me well, but that's not my objective.

"I have an offer (from Chelsea), which is good for me and the club. I dream of playing in the English league.

"Chelsea have a great squad and a great team. My objective is to play there.

"I've got nothing against Real Madrid, but I hope to resolve this situation as soon as possible."

Prior to last night's statement, Madrid had publicly insisted they had no intention of selling Robinho, but the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro claimed on Wednesday the capital club may be open to a move should Chelsea pay a €40m transfer fee.

Robinho insists money is not a factor in his decision to leave.

"It's not about money, I simply want to leave," he said.

"I want to be the best player in the world and that isn't possible at Real Madrid.

"I've come to an end of a cycle. I've played three seasons at Real Madrid, I've given my all. I've scored goals, I've won two leagues, and that's not easy.

"I think that my time here has now come to an end."