Robson heading to Japan

FC Spartak Moscow have agreed to loan Brazilian striker Robson to Japanese club Consadole Sapporo.

'Achieved a lot'
The 27-year-old, who has won four Premier League titles with Spartak and scored eleven goals in 28 league matches last season, asked the club for a move. "In the years I spent at Spartak I have achieved a lot and I would like a change of environment now," said Robson.

'Perfect option'
"Japan is a perfect option for me, as there is a football boom ahead of [2002 FIFA] World Cup," added Robson. "Plus the contract is better than the one I had at Spartak." The Brazilian, however, said he was leaving behind a lot of friends in Moscow: "I will be supporting Russia at the World Cup. Although not when they play Brazil, of course."

Not afraid of challenge
Robson has indicated he will not return to Spartak once the year-long loan ends. "However, anything can happen", he added. Asked whether he was afraid to go to Japan, Robson said: "No. I am going to play football, and I certainly can do that, otherwise I wouldn't be playing in the [UEFA] Champions League."

Spartak trials
Meanwhile, Spartak, who were knocked out of the Champions League at the first group stage, are trying out three new players at their pre-season camp in Turkey. Macdonald Mukansee, the South African who spent two seasons with Bulgarian side FC Lokomotiv Sofia, has been joined by Romanian international and FC Steaua Bucuresti midfield player Erik Augustin Lincar and Anderson, of Brazilian side Botafogo FR.