Barcelona star Lionel Messi has urged his club not to let Ronaldinho leave, insisting he still has much to offer the Catalans.
After a disappointing, injury-hit season, Ronaldinho has been told by Barca that he is not part of their plans as they target wholesale changes after two trophy-less campaigns.
The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year last played for the club on March 9 and that is likely to be his final appearance in a Barca shirt, although Messi believes Ronaldinho can help turn around the club's fortunes.
"Personally I would love it if Ronnie continued with us," Messi told Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo.
"I have always said that he is one of the best footballers in the world and I believe that he can still do many things at Barcelona."
The pair played against each other on Saturday as each captained a team of international stars in a match to promote an anti-racism campaign.
Ronaldinho enjoyed a stellar return, pitching in with two goals and two assists as the game finished 7-7, and Messi believes his team-mate is back to his world-beating best.
"It's been a long time since I saw Ronaldinho and it was a great joy for me," he said. "It's always a pleasure to share good moments with him.
"He seemed well to me, recovered from the injury that prevented him from playing the last games for Barcelona.
"He showed that he continues to do things with the ball that are out of this world."
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho insists he does not care where he plays next season, as long as he gets pitch time.
"My time with Barcelona has been a marvellous story, looking at what we have won," Ronaldinho told Brazilian television channel Rete Globo.
"The supporters will never forget it. When I walk through Barcelona the people are very affectionate towards me.
"A lot of things have been invented about me but the fans have always recognised my hard work and professionalism.
"All that I ask now is to return to playing as soon as possible - it doesn't matter where.
"I want to do what I love most of all, and that is to play football."
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Comment 1 - 7 of 7
Barca like most big clubs believe money can ALWAYS buy the best current-form players in the business, so they can't be patient with anybody-not even a 2-time FIFA world player of the year. So they did to his fellow countryman Ronaldo before him. Besides he's not Spanish! That is what happens when you have 2 go abroad to fulfil ur dreams! PROSPECTIVE African players take note.
Barca should listen to Messi and keep Ronaldinho (at least for another season). dont forget he is not in top condition last season not bcoz he is a party boy (well, he is from Brazil u know..) but he's been hit by serious injury that kept him sideline. when he's condition is injury free then that Rijkaard still kept him on the bench. so no player will regain their best if it is the case season long, not even the twice world footballer of the year.. messi is yes out from this planet but football is no one man show, he's still young and need guide from such mentor to him; that is Ronaldinho.. dont put so much on the little wizard, or Barca might even loose him one day too..
ronaldinho please come to Chelsea they need good wingers like you
Ronaldinho is the best better than pele better than maradona
messi, is a bit young to be making such manly statements.
Ronaldinho has alot to do in Barca but he needs to havetehb discipline of the professional football player
Please i beg you in the name of God,dont sell ronaldinho i believe he his a player with lots of "football".
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