Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has said he cannot believe Robinho has joined Manchester City if he is looking to improve himself as a player.

Speaking to Veo Television immediately after the deal was confirmed, Calderon said that the player had clearly not considered the move in terms of what was best for him as a player.

With Abu Dhabi United Group currently in the process of taking over Manchester City the club were able to offer enormous transfer fees right on the eve of the deadline.

With a bid in excess of GBP30 million for Robinho, Calderon says he felt it was best for his club that they allow 24 year-old Brazilian to leave, despite the fact that he would be giving up a chance to play Champions League football.

While the club president restated that his club had not wanted to sell the player, he said that it was ultimately what was best for everyone.

"The fact he has accepted an offer from Manchester City says that he is not going for sporting reasons," Calderon said.

"It's isn't Real's policy to sell players but we thought it was for the best."

Madrid had regularly rejected advances from Chelsea for the Brazilian but were always thought to be the most likely destination for the Real man come Tuesday morning. Astonishingly though, just a day after pleading with his club to allow him to join Chelsea, the 42-capped forward has moved to Eastlands.