Robinho handed 9-year prison term for 2013 rape

Former AC Milan and Manchester City striker Robinho was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday after being found guilty of raping a 22-year-old woman with five other men.

A court in Milan ruled the 33-year-old assaulted the woman at a nightclub in 2013, according to news agencies Reuters and ANSA. He played for Italian club Milan between 2010 and 2015.

Robinho has denied the charges. He's currently contracted to Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro in his native country.

"With regards to the allegations surrounding Robinho, the alleged incident took place several years ago," the player's agent and lawyer, Marisa Alija Ramos, told Sportsmail. "I clarify that my client has already defended himself against the charges and maintains he played no part in the incident.

"All legal steps are already being taken in response to this decision."

Robinho was also ordered to pay a €60,000 fine by the court, The Telegraph added.

It's unclear whether he will ever serve the nine-year prison term. A legal source told Reuters' Manuela D'Alessandro that defendants can appeal the decision at two different levels in the Italian judicial system.

Besides the appeals process, the Brazilian government doesn't allow the extradition of its citizens to foreign countries. Therefore, Robinho may not be jailed unless he sets foot in the European Union.

The five other men accused are believed to be Robinho's friends.