RIO DE JANEIRO - Real Madrid have agreed to sign Santos striker Robinho for 24 million euros ($44 million), the Spanish club said on their official website on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Robinho is one of the world's most exciting players and was an ever-present in the Brazil team who won
the Confederations Cup in Germany last month.
Santos had been demanding a US$50 million ($75 million) penalty to release the player, who has a contract with them until 2008.
But Robinho's agent Wagner Ribeiro said the player had agreed to waive the 40 per cent to which he was entitled, which accounts for the shortfall of nearly $21 million.
"Robinho is just waiting for a transfer certificate to travel. He waived the 40 per cent to which he was entitled to be able to fulfil his dream of playing for Real Madrid," Ribeiro said.
The Santos striker, who burst on to the scene as an 18-year-old when he helped the club to win their first Brazilian championship, has been the subject of speculation over a move to Real for the best part of a year.
Robinho has also been linked with Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal and Chelsea.
His trickery, ball skills and physique have often led to comparisons with Pele, who spent most of his career at Santos, although the youngster has yet to be fully tested against the world's top defenders.
- REUTERS
