ManCity can be as good as Real, Barca: Robinho

The Brazilian striker was City's first major signing under the new regime, with the 25-year-old moving from Madrid last summer for a British record fee of £32.5 million.

The club have since added Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor to the team, and Robinho feels they can now get close to the Madrid team he played in during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.

The former Santos man shared a dressing room with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, David Beckham, Ronaldo and Raul during his time in Spain, and feels City could reach those heights.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Robinho said, "We are going to try to be Premier League champions this year. If not, the top four certainly.

"In five years, Manchester City will be very strong, a big name in European football like Real Madrid and Barcelona. I will be in Manchester for five years to help it happen. Even if it rains, it is not a problem for me.

"This club has an aim to become massive. It is a big project, I have been here at the start and I want to grow with the team. I want to be part of it.

"We have good players already and more will follow. Kaka is one of my best friends and I thought he might join us too. But these type of players will come. Once we are in the Champions League, we will be attractive to any player."

The Brazil international has also stated that he has learnt a lot from his time at the Spanish club.

"I was a young player at Real but working with players like Zidane and Beckham every day taught me such a lot, how you win and lose as a team, and how you must respect your team-mates," he continued.

"Now I am more experienced, I will help my team-mates at City win trophies."

The young Brazilian forward is also confident that, with a few more signings, City can win the Premier League.

"If I could sign any three players, I would buy Messi, Steve Gerrard and Deco," he added.

"Deco is a very skillful player, he thinks very fast on the pitch. He is 31 years old – not too old. He is still at his best for me, very creative and intelligent.

"The players who have arrived this summer are also very good players and, with them, we can win the league.

"I found the Premier League very fast and strong last year. I did OK but I will be much better this season. I am used to working hard and I feel that with this team everything will be all right."

City are currently chasing England defenders John Terry and Joleon Lescott, but have had bids for both players recently turned down.