Robinho gets English lessons from Ken Barlow

PELE, Rivelino, Ronaldinho, Betty Turpin-all heroes of Brazilian football ace Robinho.

Yes, Britain's most expensive footballer spends his spare time glued to Coronation Street.

So much so, his new team mates at Manchester City have nicknamed him Ken, after Corrie stalwart Ken Barlow.

A source at the Premiership club told us: "Robinho's English is coming on well. He has lessons after training finishes at around lunchtime. As part of that his teacher has told him to watch as much English TV as possible.

"She recommended Corrie because Weatherfield is meant to be part of Manchester so he'll pick up everyday conversational English delivered in the accent of the region where he lives.

"The lads have been calling him Ken in training. It took a while for him to realise what they were getting at but once one of the English lads explained they were referring to Ken Barlow he thought it was brill.

Legend: Ken

"His tutor also gave him a load of Dr Who DVDs because at least if he doesn't understand all the lingo there's some action to enjoy."

Robinho, 24, whose native tongue is Portuguese, joined City from Real Madrid in the summer for £32million.

And despite being on £140,000 a week, he has already shown himself to be as down to earth as the residents of Weatherfield. Last week it was revealed he takes the bus from his digs at the Lowry Hotel.

As for another Corrie nickname, how about . . . Betty's Hot-shot.

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