Former Real Madrid and AC Milan forward, Robinho has spoken publicly for the first time since beginning his prison sentence in Brazil, addressing widespread rumors about his life behind bars.
Now 41, the ex-Brazil international has spent more than a year and a half in Tremembé Prison, São Paulo, where he is serving a nine-year sentence for his involvement in a 2013 group sexual assault case in Italy.
In a recently released video, Robinho appeared calm and reflective as he sought to clarify what his daily life in prison is really like.
Robinho dismissed claims that he receives preferential treatment from prison authorities.
“My diet and my sleeping schedule are the same as everyone else’s. I’ve never eaten anything different or received any special treatment,” he said.
He also refuted allegations that he holds influence over other inmates or is battling mental health problems.
“They’ve told lies saying I’m a leader or that I have mental health issues. I never had that, and I’ve never taken medication,” he insisted.
Describing his routine, the former footballer said his only leisure activity comes on Sundays when inmates are allowed to play football.
“We only play on Sundays, when there’s no work activity. It’s hard being in prison, but thank God I keep a cool head,” he added.
Robinho also used the opportunity to highlight what he views as the purpose of Brazil’s penitentiary system.
“Here, the focus is on re-education and resocialization. The guards are in charge, and we inmates obey,” he said.
His appearance comes amid reports in Brazilian media that he recently requested a transfer to another prison.
The request was reportedly denied by a judge, who instructed Robinho to direct the appeal to prison authorities. His defense team is said to have proposed three alternative facilities within São Paulo state.
Robinho was transferred to Tremembé after leaving his seafront home in Santos, spending ten days in isolation before being moved to a small shared cell.
His friend and co-defendant, Ricardo Falco, joined him three months later to serve the same sentence.
