Former Brazilian star Robson De Souza, also known as Robinho, has been taken into custody after being sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in a gang rape case in Italy.
The highest court in Brazil rejected his appeal for postponing the arrest, upholding the detention order. Federal authorities apprehended the 40-year-old at his residence in Santos following the court’s decision.
Robinho was among six individuals convicted of assaulting a woman at a nightclub in Italy back in 2013, during his time with AC Milan. He was found guilty by an Italian court in 2017.
The 40-year-old former City star has been residing in Brazil for the past seven years despite being convicted by an Italian court. Although an international arrest warrant was issued by Italy, Robinho has managed to avoid imprisonment.
Despite his continuous claims of innocence, Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (BSCJ) has decided to reconsider Italy’s extradition request. Ultimately, the majority of the ministers voted in favour of allowing Robinho to serve his sentence in Brazil.
The court’s decision was solely based on whether Robinho should serve his jail term in his home country, rather than determining his guilt. According to Italian law, his sentence will only commence after all appeal processes have been exhausted.
Last November, Italian prosecutors argued that Robinho should serve his nine-year sentence in Brazil, as Brazilian citizens are not extradited. However, Brazil had previously stated that any jail time should be served in Italy before the recent court ruling.
In 1999, Robinho, at the age of 15, was selected by Brazil legend Pelé as his successor. By 2002, he had guided Santos to their first Campeonato Brasileiro championship since Pelé’s time at the club.
Robinho later secured a second title with Santos, two more with Real Madrid in Spain, and the Italian Serie A title during his debut season in Milan.
On the international stage, he has claimed one Copa América title and two FIFA Confederations Cups with the Brazilian national team, in addition to participating in two FIFA World Cups.
