RONALDINHO

Ronadinho representative has diminished reports about the player’s possible exit from Barcelona. Brother and agent Roberto De Assis played down persistent rumors about a potential move to another club, saying Ronaldino has a deal until 2010. Speculation started after De Assis was seen having dinner with Milan technical director Adriano Galliani, and at game between the Manchester City against Chelsea.  “My work is connected with the world of football and it is usual for me to travel and talk about personal matters when I think it is necessary,” De Assis said.  “Ronaldinho has a contract until 2010 and I am not looking for anything."  “Decisions need to be taken calmly at the right time, not in the heat of the moment or in difficult times," he added.

Barcelona bosses have denied reports claiming Ronaldinho did not participate in the match against Almeria on Sunday because he was punished for partying hard during the week. El Periodico de Catalunya stated  that the Brazilian player was left out the team after going out at late hours. Chairman Joan Laporta told the press, “I have no news about his and I do not believe". "I am convinced that Ronaldinho is motivated to play, but you will have to speak to Txiki (Begiristain) and (Frank) Rijkaard as they are the ones that deal with the day-to-day running of the team."  When Rijkaard was asked about the issue, he insisted, "I have already told you the reason why Ronaldinho did not travel. He was injured."

Ronaldinho reassures his stay in Barcelona, claiming he will never consider playing in Chelsea. The Brazilian told UK newspaper, the Daily Mirror, "I know that Chelsea would like me, but I do not want to play in that team. They play a game that is not suited to my characteristics, so I would say 'no thanks'. I would give the same answer to Inter or Milan, I’m only thinking of giving my best to Barcelona. "

Ronaldinho appreciates Barcelona’s fans unconditional support. The Brazilian star, who has been facing continuous critics lately, commented, “The fans in the Camp Nou are intelligent, they know that I always want to try new things and improve my game.” He also said, “I always have the desire to play in my role and I would like to thank the fans because it doesn’t matter what the press says, the fans are not fooled by the criticisms”.   With regard to his feelings about his  own squad and the Blaugrama coach, he remarked, “My team mates have always given me support and the relationship with Rijkaard has always grown stronger and it has become a familiar atmosphere.”  “It has always been my dream to play here and I signed until 2010 and I will see this through,” Dinho concluded.

Four experts have made positive comments on Ronaldinho’s performance against Celtic. Former Barcelona star Guillermo Amor claimed that the Brazilian has been judged under high expectations what turned into an unfair treatment. Sport.es quoted him, as saying, "The problem with 'Dinho is that the bar was always set very high."  "Looking back, some of his recent actions may seem insignificant, but that's normal for a player to have good and bad moments”. Miquel Angel Nadal said,  "We saw a different Ronaldinho in that match."He was excellent, chose the best option when one-on-one, and was mentally active. "His motivation leads me to believe that he can return to how he used to be." Picho Alonso stated, “Ronaldinho was a massive participant at Celtic Park.”He tried hard from the very beginning, and was of great help to his peers. Now he needs to follow the same line”. And Segi Barjuan finally added, "In Glasgow we saw a determined Ronaldinho who was eager to play well. That made all us cules smile, and it's a positive message. "I'm optimistic, and believe that he may be a unique, explosive player once again."