Former football star Robson de Souza known as Robinho must serve his nine-year prison sentence for rape in Brazil, a Brazilian high court ruled.

The ex-AC Milan winger was sentenced by an Italian court in 2017 to nine years in jail for taking part in the 2013 gang rape of a woman in a Milan nightclub.

Robinho, who won the Copa America in 2007 with Brazil, denied the accusations.

Italy had sought to have Robinhos sentence ratified in Brazil so that he would serve his term in his home nation, as Brazil does not extradite its nationals.

Even President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had recently spoken out in favour of the ex-footballer serving his sentence in Brazil.

He said In an interview on Brazilian television that rape is an unforgivable crime and that as Robinho had already been convicted in Italy, he should serve his sentence.

According to media reports, Robinhos lawyers said they would appeal the high courts verdict.

In October 2020, Robinho wanted to make a comeback with his hometown club Santos, but because of pressure from sponsors and fans due to his conviction, the contract was quickly terminated.

He then retired. (dpa/NAN)