Former Manchester City forward Robinho has been sentenced to nine years in jail for sexual assault.

The verdict was announced by a Milan court on Thursday following the alleged incident, which took place in 2013 while the Brazilian was playing for AC Milan.

However, Robinho, who currently plays for Atletico Mineiro in the Brazilian league, has the opportunity to appeal the verdict under Italian law.

The striker was the subject of a British transfer record in 2008 when he signed from Real Madrid for £32.5m on deadline day, but Robinho left for Milan just two years later for £15m after struggling to make an impact in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old, who has been capped by his country 100 times, also had a spell with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.