Pele urges Robinho restraint

Pele has hit out at the press attention surrounding Robinho's arrival at Real Madrid.

Legendary Brazilian forward Pele has hit out at the press attention surrounding Robinho's arrival at Real Madrid and warned that the young star will take time to adapt to his new environment.

Following his prolonged transfer from Santos, Robinho has been the centre of attention in the Spanish capital and earned even more headlines for his captivating appearance in Real's opening day win at Cadiz.

The 21-year-old made a cameo appearance when he entered the fray for the final 24 minutes of the first game of the season and was heralded as the saviour after a virtuoso performance that led to his side taking all three points.

But Pele believes that expectations around Robinho are too high and that patience will be needed while the forward settles in at El Bernabeu.

"Robinho needs a period of adaptation," Pele explained. "He needs to be introduced slowly.

"The attention of the European press could mean that he will bear the whole weight of expectations at Real Madrid on his shoulders, despite the team having a host of star players."

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has also voiced his concerns regarding the excessive publicity generated by the gifted youngster as he seems set to carry the hopes of a club looking to end their two-year trophy drought.