Premier League

By Simon Baskett

MADRID, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have said they do not want to keep Robinho against his will after the Brazil forward expressed his desire to join Chelsea before the transfer deadline expires next weekend.

However, the Spanish champions have made it clear Robinho will have to resolve his contractual position before he is allowed to move.

"Real Madrid have become aware of the declarations by the player and deeply regret their content," the club said in a statement on their website (www.realmadrid.com) on Friday.

"Real Madrid would never want to retain a player against his wishes and as a result they have no alternative but to accept his unilateral decision to rescind his contract if that is what the player wants."

Real did not make it clear if they would negotiate a deal with Chelsea for the sale of Robinho or if they were insisting he reaches an agreement to end his contract which has a buy-out clause of 150 million euros ($223 million).

Earlier on Friday, the Brazilian, who is under contract until 2010, said he was determined to sign for Chelsea.

"I've told the president, the directors and the coach that my aim is to leave Real Madrid," the 24-year-old told Spanish news agency EFE in an interview.

"I'm telling the truth. I want to leave and I have got the character to tell the press that I'm not aiming to stay at Real Madrid...I want to play in the Premier League...," he added.

"Chelsea have a great squad, a great team and their offer is good for me and for the team... It isn't because of money, it is simply because I want to leave. My personal aim is to be the best player in the world and that isn't going to be possible at Real Madrid."

CHELSEA TARGET

Robinho is reported to be unhappy because Real were prepared to sell him to raise funds in their unsuccessful attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and over the club's refusal to release him to play at the Olympic Games.

The forward, who joined Real from Santos in August 2005 after a tug-of-war transfer saga, was a target for Chelsea and their new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for most of the close season before the London club made a formal offer for him on Aug. 7.

No details of the bid were made public although British media reports said at the time that Chelsea were prepared to pay 19.7 million pounds ($36.79 million).

Last week Real president Ramon Calderon said the player would not be leaving, while coach Bernd Schuster has said Robinho is an important part of his future plans.

However, Spanish media reported on Friday that Real could reconsider their position if Chelsea made an offer of about 40 million euros ($59.46 million).

When trying to sign Portuguese winger Ronaldo from Manchester United, Real president Calderon said an unhappy player should always be allowed to move club.

Robinho said the same policy should apply to him and he should be permitted to leave.

"I've finished my cycle. I've played three seasons at Real Madrid and have given everything. I have scored goals, won two leagues and that isn't easy. I think my period at Real Madrid has come to an end," he said.

"I hope the directors reach an agreement with Chelsea to resolve my situation as quickly as possible."

Robinho is a regular in the Brazil side and was instrumental in their triumph at the 2007 Copa America, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with six goals.