Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admits he won’t stop Robinho leaving if the Brazil forward is not happy at Eastlands.

Robinho told a Brazilian radio station over the weekend that City’s directors are happy to let him return home to join Santos on loan before the transfer window closes on February 1.

After watching Robinho score City’s final goal in their 4-2 FA Cup fourth round win at Scunthorpe on Sunday, Mancini denied any knowledge of an imminent exit for the former Real Madrid star but did concede that he would let him leave if he isn’t happy.

Robinho, who cost City a club record 32.5 million pounds last season, has repeatedly produced below-par displays and Mancini appeared to run out of patience when he replaced the winger after sending him on as substitute against Everton earlier this month.