Robinho will not force Barca move

Robinho cost City £32.5m when he signed from Real Madrid in 2008

Manchester City's Brazilian forward Robinho is pleased about being linked with a move to Barcelona but insists he is not engineering a return to La Liga.

There has been speculation Barca will try to sign Robinho in January.

And the former Real Madrid star, 25, told Brazilian radio station Radio Bandeirantes: "I'm very happy about the interest that Barcelona have in me."

But he added: "I'm not forcing a hypothetical exit from England and nor do I have problems with my coach."

Robinho joined City from Real in August 2008 for a British record £32.5m, but has been closely linked with a move to Barcelona since the summer.

606: DEBATE I don't see the point in switching Robinho for Bellamy or Petrov when both are in great form The Riddler

He has often spoken of his admiration of Barcelona and explained that, by playing for Pep Guardiola's side, he would have a better chance of realising his ambition of becoming the greatest player on the planet.

Robinho added: "Playing in the Nou Camp it is much easier to be the best player in the world than at City."

The Brazil international is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and, on 22 October, City manager Mark Hughes revealed he may not return until his side face Liverpool on 21 November.

At the same time, Hughes played down reports of Barca's interest, saying: "Nothing has changed in respect of Robi. He won't be leaving us, and that's the top and bottom of it."