Setubal release Robson and Elias

Lack of funds force players to part

Vitoria Setubal have rescinded the contracts of Robson and Elias citing wages in arrears as the main reason for the split. Both players have not received their salaries in the last four months and the club now have three days to come up with the money and fulfil their financial obligations.

The pair each had two years left on their contracts, but the crisis crippling the Sadinos became too much and both felt that the best solution was to leave and try to find a new club elsewhere.

Robson emitted sympathy for the situation as the player confesses that parting with Setubal is difficult and coming to this decision was the very last resort, but felt he had no other alternative.

"I did not want this to happen, but unfortunately it was negligence on the club's part and one of the recourses was to opt for this," admitted Robson.

"Certainly, I believe the afffection I have for the club is undisputed, but I need to get paid and will wait for Vitoria to come through."

Robson is not short of admirers as Martimo are believed to be keen on the central defender and are waiting anxiously for the developments at the Bonfim. As for Elias, it is still not known where the player will end up.

"Maritimo is one of many clubs that are interested in me, but only when the situation with Vitoria becomes defined can I think about leaving."

by Marco Pereira