City snapped up Robinho in a shock summer hit from Real Madrid, but Hughes admitted that the 24-year-old was nervous upon his arrival.

However, the former Blackburn boss insists that the tension is eased after the Brazilian's superb start with the team.

"Initially, he showed signs of being apprehensive about the situation he found himself in," said Hughes in the Daily Mail.

"He's had great support from his colleagues in the Brazil team, Elano and Jo and Glauber Berti as well. That has helped him to settle.

"So that early apprehension went very quickly. We have seen, just as quickly, that the guy simply has a love of football.

"At Madrid he wanted to play every week and he felt he wasn't getting that chance. Maybe he felt he wasn't going to be as loved as, obviously, he will be here."

Robinho scored twice in his first two games with City, which included a wonderful display in the 6-0 thrashing to Portsmouth.