Robinho, sentenced to nine years for raping an Albanian, speaks for the first time: I don't have any privileges in prison as a former football player

“Data and my schedule are the same as other prisoners. The stories of supposed favour are false. ”

Robinho is serving a nine-year sentence for gang rape of an Albanian girl in Milan in 2013 (with Brazilian denying extradition to allow her to serve the sentence in Italy). Milan's former striker, among other things, has broken his silence since entering No2 Tremebe Prison, a prison located in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, in March 2024. The former player, now 41, wanted to clarify the situation in a video dealing with accusations of alleged privileges he enjoys because of his fame. The images were published by the Council of the Tabbaté Community, a non-profit organisation aimed at helping the judiciary.

Robinho explained that there is no favour against him: my “diet and my vacation times are the same as those of other prisoners”, he explained. I've never eaten different foods, never received different treatment. During my work schedule, I do everything other prisoners do. When we want to play soccer, it's allowed on Sundays, when we don't work”.

Therefore, the former striker has no privilege: “I have never received any kind of preferential treatment because I was football player”, the former Real Madrid star continued in his interview. “Visitors are Saturdays or Sundays. My wife doesn't come alone, she comes with my kids. The eldest plays for Santos. Two younger ones can also come here. The visit is the same and the treatment is the same for all. Lies around, like. that I am the leader and that I have psychological problems, are not absolutely true”.

Robinhos, who was denied early release and house arrest a year ago, says he is angry with the amount of false news surrounding him: “I've never had to take medication, thank God. Despite the difficulty of being in prison, I have always kept my head straight and do everything that any prisoner can do. Here, the goal is to reform those who made mistakes. I've never had any kind of leadership role, anywhere. Here, the guards are in charge and we, the prisoners, just obey.” / TCh/