Robinho wins support of Brazil coach Dunga

Brazil national coach Dunga on Wednesday added his support to Robinho after the star player was arrested and bailed over allegations of rape in a British nightclub.

"I have no reason to doubt the word of Robinho," said Dunga who had a telephone call with the Manchester City striker in which the 25-year-old denied all wrongdoing.

"He is a player on whom I have been able to count every time I have needed him and who has shown exemplary professional behaviour when he has been in the national squad."

Dunga also insisted that Robinho would be called into the Brazil squad which is due to face world champions Italy in a friendly international in London on February 10.

Robinho, Britain's most expensive player, was questioned by British police on Tuesday after an allegation of serious sexual assault in a nightclub in Leeds, northern England.

Robinho's spokesman said the player "strenuously denies" the allegations.

"We can confirm that Robinho met the police today (Tuesday), as pre-arranged and as part of a criminal investigation," spokesman Chris Nathaniel said in a statement on Robinho's official website.

"He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality and is happy to cooperate with the police if further required."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed a man was arrested on Tuesday, questioned over an alleged incident on January 14 and released on bail pending further inquiries.

Robinho returned to training on Wednesday and was a member of the City team that beat Newcastle United in the English Premier League later in the day.

RIO DE JANEIRO, AFP