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Sunday, 1 April 2007, 11:34 GMT 12:34 UK

Ronaldinho wants to stay at Barca

Ronaldinho Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho has insisted he wants to stay at Barcelona.

The 27-year-old told Spanish TV station TV3: "The rapport with the fans is perfect. I want to stay and they make me feel I should."

Ronaldinho's agent and brother Roberto de Assis met with Barcelona on Saturday in light of recent speculation linking the player with AC Milan.

And afterwards, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said: "He will be here for many years - as long as he likes."

Ronaldinho has a contract with Barcelona until 2010 and Laporta added: "We have him here for many years to come because it is what both parties want.

"He is a reference for the club. He has given us a great image around the world and on the sporting side coach Frank Rijkaard is delighted with him. "

"He's the best player in the world and wants to stay"
Barcelona sports director Aitor Begiristain

De Assis told the Spanish media: "In the meeting we started putting together the future. Everyone should relax because it is all going well."

On Saturday, Ronaldinho set up goals for Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o in a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Coruna, that took Barca three points clear at the top of the Primera Liga table.

And Ronaldinho told reporters after the match: "The best way of showing what I want is the game I have just played."

Barcelona sports director Aitor Begiristain and vice-president Ferran Soriano met with Assis on Saturday.

Begiristain told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo: "Ronaldinho's smile and his soccer demonstrate that he is happy here and he is cared for like all our players.

"He's the best player in the world and wants to stay."



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Related to this story:

Barca coach defends Ronaldinho (25 Feb 07 |  Europe )
Ronaldinho regains FifPro crown (06 Nov 06 |  Internationals )

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