It has been mooted City could cash in on the former Real Madrid ace with Barcelona reportedly keen on taking him back to Spain.

Zabaleta has denied there is any disharmony among Mark Hughes' squad and says the gifted 25-year-old gives City an added dimension.

Robinho is in line to make his City return against Hull at the weekend after missing nearly three months with an ankle injury.

"I think it's vital that Robinho stays with Man City," he told The Sun.

"He is a player who can give us more quality and he means a lot to his team-mates.

"There is no problem with him or with the other players."

Robinho bagged 15 goals in his first season with City and Zabaleta believes he can get even better this time around if he can remain injury-free.

"I think he can do even better," he continued. "Naturally, you always expect more from a player like him because there's a reason why he cost more than £30million.

"But I hope we can enjoy having him with us for a long time. The truth is, we will achieve our goals faster as a club with players like Robinho here."