Brazil striker Neymar has praised former team-mate Robinho as he embarks on a fresh start with Turkish side Sivasspor.
The 34-year-old joined the Super Lig outfit on a free transfer after leaving Atletico Mineiro.
Robinho was found guilty of taking part in the gang rape of a woman in Milan in 2013 and given a nine-year sentence in November.
Meu ídolo, o cara que praticamente me inspirou a jogar futebol … que Deus abençoe a sua vida irmão, muitas felicidades pra ti sempre. Te amo ídolo @Robinho pic.twitter.com/Hi3DCAmWhI
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 25, 2018
The former Manchester City forward maintains his innocence and was able to sign for Sivasspor as his sentence has been suspended while he appeals the decision – a process which can take years in Italian courts.
In a post on Twitter, Neymar shared a picture of him embracing ex-Santos team-mate Robinho, and said: “My idol, the guy who practically inspired me to play football … that God bless your life brother, best wishes to you always. I love you idol @Robinho.”
Yeni transferimiz @robinho bugün ilk kez takımımızla birlikte idmanda yer aldı. pic.twitter.com/210eHbvev5
— Sivasspor (@SivassporKulubu) January 24, 2018
Robinho joined Manchester City from Real Madrid in 2008 as the first major signing of the Sheikh Mansour era.
However, he failed to live up to expectations at City and left the club after one and a half seasons, joining Santos on loan before making a permanent move to Milan.
