The Premier League's most expensive star, Brazilian striker Robinho, has protested his innocence after being arrested over an allegation that he sexually assaulted a teenager in a nightclub.

Robinho, 25, who has allegedly given a routine DNA sample to police, was held and questioned after an undergraduate student claimed she was attacked in the early hours of the morning.

The pretty student, who attends a university in Yorkshire, alleged that she was assaulted by the player at Space nightclub in Leeds.

She made her complaint to police the following afternoon.

Robinho's spokesman, Chris Nathaniel, said: "Robinho has met the police, as prearranged, as part of a criminal investigation. He strenuously denies any allegations of wrong-doing or criminality and is happy to co-operate with the police if required further."

Detectives had hoped to question the player, whose real name is Robson de Souza, after Manchester City's training camp in Tenerife the week after the alleged attack.

But they were forced to wait after Robinho flew to Brazil citing "family reasons," thought to be his 25th birthday party.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has promised to fine him for leaving the training camp, although it is understood that the circumstances of his trip and whether it was sanctioned by the club are the subject of dispute.

On his return to the UK the player was questioned by detectives at a scheduled appointment and then released on bail.