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Returning Robinho has faith in Madrid

Having missed Real Madrid CF's first-leg defeat at AS Roma through injury, Robinho is determined to do his bit to help the Spanish champions overturn a 2-1 deficit.

Robinho has scored four times in the UEFA Champions League this term
Robinho has scored four times in the UEFA Champions League this term ©Getty Images

Having missed through injury Real Madrid CF's first-leg defeat at AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round, Robinho is determined to do his bit to help the Spanish champions overturn a 2-1 deficit at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

'Giving our all'
The Brazilian international forward suffered a stomach strain during Madrid's 7-0 Primera División win against Real Vallafdolid CF on 10 February and sat out the next three games – all of which ended in defeat, including that reverse in Rome a fortnight ago. A 3-2 victory at RC Recreativo de Huelva on Saturday revived Madrid's fortunes, however, and Robinho is allowing no room for doubt on Wednesday, saying: "We're all thinking about a full stadium, giving our all for 90 minutes and leaving the pitch having qualified."

Welcome return
The 24-year-old's reintroduction provided the impetus for Madrid's success at Recreativo: Robinho returned in style with a goal barely 90 seconds after coming off the bench, and then got the winner in the 90th minute. That double took his tally for the league season to ten goals from 22 appearances, but having gradually become a key figure since his €24m move from Santos FC in 2005, he is keen to share the credit for his improvement. "I enjoy responsibility, I have my personal objectives here – to continue scoring goals and to one day become the best player in the world wearing the Madrid shirt," he said. "I want to help my team-mates in every way possible, be that scoring goals or defending. Every player is important here. It's a huge responsibility playing for Real Madrid and when the squad is doing well, you start to notice individual talents.

Team ethic
"The most important thing is I am scoring, but it doesn't matter who scores as long as the goals come. Goals are important in football and if a team-mate scores I will be just as happy," continued Robinho, who also addressed his future. "I would love to be here till I am 35 if possible. This is a fantastic team and I am really happy. At this moment in time I'm not thinking about renewing a contract, I'm only thinking about continuing to play well and helping my team-mates. I want to train, to work hard and to feel good in order to play."

'Roma respect'
With Roma having won ten of their last 14 matches in all competitions, Robinho accepts that Madrid – who are without Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sergio Ramos through injury and suspension respectively – face a tough task to turn the tie around, saying: "We have to respect Roma, they have great players, but our target is to win the Champions League and to do that we must produce a great performance. Here's hoping we have a really good night. We're not thinking about not progressing. Sergio and Ruud are two great players. Ruud is our goal machine while Sergio is an excellent full-back. But we have to deal with this and we have the players who can fill these positions, give their all and play a great game."