Robinho threatens to sue Pele

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) – Brazilian international Robinho is threatening to sue footballing legend Pele over claims made by him that he had taken recreational drugs.

Pele, a three-time World Cup winner and regarded as probably the finest footballer ever, has been quoted by several Brazilian papers as claiming that drugtaking was not as rife in football as was alleged but it was a shame that players such as Robinho and fellow Brazilian Ronaldo had resorted to them.

However, Robinho, whose form has dipped markedly for Manchester City in the past few matches reaching its nadir last weekend when he missed a penalty against Sunderland, issued a statement on his website decrying 68-year-old Pele's comments.

"I am disappointed by Pele's remarks and if he does not withdraw them then I will take him to court where he will have to answer for claims that are totally without foundation," said Robinho, who left Real Madrid for City in a stunning 34.2million pound move last summer.

According to the press reports Pele had tried to play down the claims that drugtaking was commonplace amongst footballers.

"Many in the press talk about drugtaking in football," he was quoted as saying.

"It would be unfair, when it is just one or two cases like those of Robinho and Ronaldo to generalise," added Pele, who is alleged to have made his claims during a court case which involves his son Edinho, who has admitted he has a cocaine addiction.

Other Brazilian media claimed that Pele had not made those remarks surrounding drugtaking but in fact had been referring to Ronaldo's habit of enjoying the nightlife and an allegation of serious sexual assault levelled at Robinho in late January.

Brazil coach Dunga, though, tried to play down the whole affair, as his squad prepares for two 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Peru, by saying that Pele's remarks had been misinterpreted.

GOD BLESS YOU BINHO