Robbie Williams Enjoys Buying His Friends

It's not a state secret that Robbie Williams is a troublemaker. So normally, it would be a bit difficult to imagine he in his turn can be conned - but it seems to have happened, or so he claims. Williams, who moved to Los Angeles five years ago, loaned two friends money to set up a fashion label in New York but was furious to discover they spent the cash on partying instead.

A source stated that "at best Robbie was being used, at worst he was being conned. These so-called friends have preyed on his hospitality and good nature". Oh, now I'm close to tears. Robbie, as you may know, formed US-based soccer team LA Vale FC - but not so much for the football, as because he wanted to make some new friends.

The source added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "It was as if the penny had finally dropped and Robbie realized he was being taken for a ride. There was a screaming row between him and several people last weekend. He accused them all of taking advantage. He ordered them all out of his house and told them not to come back. But it was when he disbanded the team that everyone became convinced he meant business. It was very much his pride and joy", the same source added.

Earlier this month, Robbie revealed he had formed the soccer team so he could feel part of a "gang". He said: "I've always wanted to be a member of a gang, so I bought myself one. I've been fortunate because we've been together for quite a while now. There are no nails sticking out that need hammering down. They're all fond of me, and I'm fond of them. My house is quite big and a bit grand, but people like coming over to put their feet up and chill out, which is good for me".

Now Robbie's friends are worried he will return to the reclusive lifestyle he led before he set up the team. A friend revealed that "he has come out of his shell since the team took off. But what started out as fun times have started to take their toll. He has become jaded by the whole situation". Well, what can I say - buying your friends doesn't seem like a very wise move but if you can afford it, that does say something about you. And if it's Robbie Williams we're talking about, then things just get even more complicated.