Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been told to give Robinho a free rein if he wants to get the best out of the Brazilian.

That is the view of the striker's fellow Brazilian Elano ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League match at Wigan.

Elano has kept an eye on Robinho's progress since they played together at Santos and believes City have invested in a special talent.

"The first thing I told the manager was that nobody knows him better than me," said Elano in an interview posted on Robinho's official website.

"I have spent a lot of time in his company, both on club and international duty.

"I told him how Robinho likes to play and how he could help us. Robinho has to be free of worries, with the freedom to move around the pitch.

"He likes playing down the left. In his first match, he played in the middle and scored a goal (against Chelsea).

"But I know he would have helped us even more if he'd been able to play where he enjoys things most.

"I've been playing down the left, alongside Robinho. Because of the language and the understanding between us, we thought it would be better for me to play there, and also because our left-back (Javier Garrido) is Spanish.

"I am happy the manager has adopted that strategy, it will help me grow as well. With Robinho in front of me, I know I always have a good passing option."

Robinho looks certain to start on Sunday after being rested in midweek when City were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Brighton.

There is a Brazilian blend at the club with Jo and Glauber also on the payroll.

It means Robinho has been able to settle in quickly and he is due to start taking English lessons next week.

Elano believes there is much to be optimistic about in his second season with City.

He said: "Even before we signed Robinho, I knew the club really wanted a player such as him or Ronaldinho.

"I have known Robinho for a long time. I hope we can be as successful together as we were at Santos.

"Last season was a very good one for City as the team hadn't done so well in many years. Now, with players such as Jo and Robinho, we will certainly be fighting for bigger things."