Robinho closer to Guangzhou move, leaves Santos

Robinho moved a step closer to signing for Chinese football club Guangzhou Evergrande after announcing his departure from Brazil's Santos.

The Brazil international winger, who rescinded his contract with AC Milan in May, had spent the past year on loan at Santos, scoring 17 goals in 41 matches, reports Xinhua.

"I want to thank the fans for their support and respect as well as the coaching staff and players who will be friends for lifetime. Unfortunately I wasn't able to renew my contract but Santos will always be in my heart. I am still going to support the club and hope that one day I can return," Robinho said on Tuesday.

Guangzhou have reportedly offered Robinho a three-year contract with a monthly salary of one million euros. The Chinese outfit are managed by Brazil World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is understood to be negotiating directly with Robinho.

His signing would represent a major coup for the Chinese outfit, who on Monday announced the arrival of Brazil international midfielder Paulinho from Tottenham Hotspur for 14 million euros. Robinho has also been linked with a move to defending Brazilian Serie A champions Cruzeiro and several Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs in the United States.