Robinho has leapt to the defence of Kaka who has come under fire following Real Madrid's disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.

Robinho spent three years of his career at the Bernabeu before leaving for City in 2008 after an unhappy final season in La Liga.

Kaka has been made out by many to be Madrid's scapegoat for their European humiliation but Robinho feels the fans and press are all too quick to point the finger of blame.

Robinho added: "Kaka is a spectacular player, one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, at Real Madrid, when things do not go well, the foreign players are the most criticised.

"It happened to me and to all the foreigners who are there.

"But Kaka has to keep his head in the right place. I'm sure he'll come out on top and make a lot of success at Real.

"And I hope he can explode with me in the World Cup in South Africa, if we are there."