European Football

MADRID, July 21 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have asked Brazil to release Robinho from their Olympic squad after pre-season medical tests revealed that the forward is suffering from a groin injury.

"Real have sent a fax to the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation) explaining Robinho's injury and asking that he be left out of the Olympic squad," the club said on their website (www.realmadrid.com).

"On the advice of the medical staff, the club has decided that the best thing for the player would be to go to the pre-season training camp with the rest of the squad where he can follow a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the club doctors."

The 24-year-old player admitted he was disappointed that he would miss the Games.

"Unfortunately I won't be able to go to the Olympics with Brazil, but that is Real Madrid's decision and I respect it," he told reporters before Real left for their training camp in Austria.

The Brazil international, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to Chelsea during the close season, said he was pleased to read reports in the Spanish media that Real were poised to renew his contract which is due to expire in 2010.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time, I'm happy and want to continue here," he said."