The Brazilian soccer star playing for Manchester City, Robinho, was cleared on Monday from charges of rape dating back to January of this year.

After an initial investigation by the England police, the player's case of sexual aggression towards a university student was dropped.

The episode allegedly took place on January 14, 2009. The 18-year-old student claimed that Robinho had sexually assaulted her while in the VIP area of a local club. Robinho, through his agent, declared that no such incident had taken place.

However, complicating things for the player, the student had on her camera a picture of her alongside Robinho. He was ordered to cooperate with the investigation and offer a sample of his DNA.

The English police had plans of apprehending the player when all of the sudden he took a surprise trip to his native country. They player declared that he had come back to Brazil in order to get a check-up on a nagging injury.

With a great weight off his shoulders, Robinho hopes to concentrate fully in soccer.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2009)