AC Milan's Robinho: I never thought I would be out for this long

Posted Thursday, October 13, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

AC Milan attacker Robinho has admitted he is eager to return to action as quickly as possible after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Brazil international has not featured for the club since sustaining a muscle problem in the build-up to the Champions League game against Barcelona a month ago.

Italian sources have suggested that Robinho is in line to make a return for the team in Saturday's home match against Palermo.

And Robinho has admitted he is glad to have finally put such a difficult period behind him, telling Milan Channel: "I am fine and happy, I have recovered. I am now training with the squad and I hope I will give my teammates a helping hand in the next match.

"When I felt pain for the first time in August, I did not think I would be out for this long, I have never had any serious injuries in my career, but it is over now. I cannot wait to step onto the pitch at San Siro and to win matches with the team again."

Robinho, who joined Milan from Manchester City in the summer of 2010, played a key part in the club's successful championship campaign last season, with 14 goals in 34 matches.