With the transfer window closing imminently, relations between Real Madrid and Chelsea have deteriorated badly over the past 24 hours with the clubs becoming embroiled in a war of words.
Real are particularly angry that Chelsea mistakenly advertised a replica shirt on their website with Robinho's name printed on the back, and the Spaniards have reiterated their "decision" not to sell him.
"Madrid profoundly regrets the behaviour of the directors of Chelsea FC who, despite knowing perfectly well that our decision was to not sell, have continued to make gestures and comments, even going so far as to sell the player's shirt on its website," said the Real statement.
Real also criticised Robinho for speaking out about his desire to leave. Under Spanish rules, Robinho can take the unlikely option of becoming a free agent by paying off a buy-out clause in his contract of £120 million. "If the player's final decision is to unilaterally rescind his contract then the club would have no choice but to accept that," said Real.
Chelsea said they "completely refute" any criticism of their tactics. "There is nothing wrong with publicly confirming our interest in a player when the club involved is well aware of it, has been in receipt of two bids and is negotiating to sell the player," said a Chelsea statement. "As for the issue regarding the website, Real are well aware this was a regrettable accident by an external supplier which was rectified as soon as it was brought to our attention and not a single shirt was sold."
Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, is still hopeful of pushing through a deal after Robinho admitted his "head was at Chelsea". He added: "Bernd Schuster [the Real coach] isn't my father, he's my coach. He can't make me do anything."
After seeing his team held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham, Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted he had no idea if Robinho would join. "It's not my business," he said.
