Court of Appeals in Milan confirms conviction of Brazilian footballer Robinho for participation in a group rape

The Court of Appeals in Milan confirmed on Thursday the nine-year prison sentence for Brazilian footballer Robinho for participating in a group rape of a young woman at a nightclub in Milan in 2013, according to Italian media.

Robinho, former player of Real Madrid and Manchester City, was playing for Milan at the time and participated with his friend Ricardo Falco in the rape of an Albanian citizen who was celebrating her 23rd birthday at a well-known establishment in Milan.

"This sentence is an example for the protection of women and demonstrates that the system works when necessary," commented the woman's lawyer Jacopo Gnocchi, according to Italian media.

Santos, which had announced the return of the 36-year-old Brazilian forward in early October, suspended the signing shortly after due to the pressures arising from the sexual violence conviction he received in Italy.

In a statement published by Santos, it was explained that the operation was suspended so that the player could "focus exclusively on his defense in the ongoing process in Italy."

Robinho denied the accusations back in 2014 when the news broke that Italy was investigating him for these events.

In 2009, when he was playing in the English League, it was revealed that Robinho was being investigated by the police for an alleged rape at a nightclub in Leeds. However, after being questioned, he was released on bail.

The footballer denied those accusations. EFE