Perez praise for Robinho

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has praised Robinho for his patience.

Real are desperate to conclude the signing of the 21-year-old Santos star, with the club hoping to seal the deal with their Sao Paulo-based counterparts this week.

Perez believes they have made a wise choice in buying Robinho, who he feels has shown plenty of maturity during a difficult time for the gifted attacker.

"He is only 21, but he behaves like he is 45," said Perez. "His common sense is admirable.

"The strength that he has shown throughout this tense situation shows that we have made a very wise choice in attempting to bring him to Real Madrid."

Perez is thought to have assembled his team of directors in order to push through a deal while Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has been in Miami with representatives of the player.

Robinho's agent, Juan Figuer, has advised both clubs that a deal of ‚é¼27 million should be accepted, as it would represent good business for everyone.

Madrid are so confident that a deal can be struck that they are expecting to present the player at a press conference on Wednesday, which would be in time for him to join the squad for their pre-season tour of the USA and Asia.

Robinho, meanwhile, has refused to return to training with Santos following Brazil's successful Confederations Cup campaign, stating Teixeira has gone back on his word to allow him to leave the club this summer.