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Ronaldinho 'will leave Barcelona', Rijkaard says

28/04/2008

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has admitted that Brazilian star Ronaldinho is likely to leave the club this summer.

Rumours have been circulating recently that the 28-year-old is already negotiating with Italian giants AC Milan over a move to Serie A ahead of next season.

Ronaldinho's agent and other sources close to the player have confirmed the reports.

But today's revelation from Barca coach Rijkaard is the first indication by a senior member of staff at the club that the player's days are numbered.

When asked in an interview on Catalan TV whether he thought Ronaldinho would leave, he replied: "You would have to think so.

"It is a shame, but I am with him. Nobody should forget everything that he has done for this club.

"I truly hope that he can go out and show the world that he can still play. That time will come and he will need to react well."

Rijkaard paid tribute to Ronaldinho's attitude as a player and a person and denied reports that a rift in the dressing room had given the club no choice but to sell him.

"One must remember everything the way it happened," the Dutchman continued.

"I did not over-protect him. He is a player that never caused any problems."

Ronaldinho is currently injured and will miss the rest of the season, meaning he has probably already played his last-ever game for the Catalan giants.

His potential sale to Milan has sparked rumours that Ronaldinho's countryman Kaka could be sold in order to facilitate the move, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all reportedly expressing an interest.