Chelsea’s persistent pursuit of Robinho and the player’s constant plea to his present employers to be released have paid off after Real Madrid announced on their official website, www.realmadrid.com that they are prepared to let the Brazilian go if both parties can reach a unilateral contract resolution.

The statement on the website reads:

1. Real Madrid knows about the comments made by Robinho and deeply regrets them given the high personal and professional esteem that the Club has always held the player in, as he deserves.

2. Real Madrid would never retain a player on the team against his wishes and would have no choice but to call for a unilateral resolution of the contract if the player willed it so.

It is believed that Robinho’s latest confession to EFE news agency yesterday, re-stating his desire to leave the Bernabéu for The Bridge has finally forced the Spanish champions to relinquish and accept defeat in the matter.

Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon was reported to have flown in to the Spanish capital yesterday to make one final proposal for the 24 year old and the latest official statement from Madrid themselves should now pave the way for the Blues to complete the deal.