Pablo Zabaleta has urged Mark Hughes to do all he can to keep hold of Robinho when the January transfer window reopens.
Manchester City’s Brazilian ace continues to be linked with a move back to La Liga, this time with Barcelona.
There have also been stories suggesting the former Real Madrid striker is not happy at Eastlands.
Zabaleta has denied there is any disharmony within squad and is delighted to welcome Robinho back this weekend after missing nearly three months with an ankle injury.
"I think it's vital that Robinho stays with Man City," he told The Sun. "He is a player who can give us more quality and he means a lot to his teammates.
"There is no problem with him or with the other players,” added Zabaleta who believes Robinho’s best in a City shirt is still to come.
"I think he can do even better," he continued. "Naturally, you always expect more from a player like him because there's a reason why he cost more than £30million.
"But I hope we can enjoy having him with us for a long time. The truth is, we will achieve our goals faster as a club with players like Robinho here."
