The Brazil international striker has been linked with a January transfer window move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
“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 scored 15 goals for City in his first season at the club, but Zabaleta is confident his team-mate can improve.
“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 £30m.
“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.”
