Talk of Ronaldinho departure hangs heavy over Nou Camp</p> BARCELONA (AFP) - Talk of divorce hung heavy in the Spanish air Tuesday with Ronaldinho's forecast split from Barcelona filling the back pages. Fuelled by reports from London that Chelsea were preparing to table a 70 million euro bid for the out-of-sorts Brazil striker newspapers here predicted separation would come sooner rather than later. Spanish media claim Barcelona are fed up with the 2005 Footballer of the Year's poor form while the player himself has grown tired of the repeated attacks on his private life. He has kept a distinctly low profile since being accused of late night binges before games five days ago with the official line being that he is recovering from a muscle problem which kept him out of Barca's game against Sevilla last Saturday. Absent from training on Monday he is certain to miss Barcelona's match against Real Zaragoza on Wednesday. Barca president Joan Laporta declared on Monday they needed "to help (Ronaldinho) to regain his best form so that he doesn't feel isolated". Laporta insisted that he had not yet "received any firm offers" for the star forward, whether from AC Milan or Chelsea. Barca coach Frank Rijkaard said the criticism of the player was unjustified and ruled out transferring him. "It's not fair - people forget the incredible value (he brings to the team)," Rijkaard told reporters. "It's thanks to him that Barca are where they are," the Dutchman added. Saying that he wanted the player to get fit, Rijkaard added: "We are all human. He is too. And when he feels fit again he will be back to the player we all know. He is a very important player for us." Nonetheless, such praise contrasted with the "ultimatum" reportedly issued to Ronaldinho by his Catalan employees. According to sports daily Marca he was told: "If you don't change you'll find yourself on the street." Marca on Tuesday declared "there was no doubt" that the club would sell one of the jewels in its crown at the end of the season or during the winter transfer window. The 27-year-old forward's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, commenting on the growing rift on Monday, told The Sun newspaper: "I'm sure that a campaign exists against Ronaldinho. "He is doing everything he can in order to return to his very best and soon he will see the fruits of his hard work. He will be at a high level again soon. "I have read many absurd stories about his nightlife and I do not want to comment on them. Ronaldinho still has four years on his contract at Barcelona and he is calm." Despite being jeered by fans in the Nou Camp, criticised by former Barca star Johann Cruyff, and sidelined by Rijkaard, Ronaldinho can still count on the support of his teammates. Lionel Messi dedicated his two-goal haul against Sevilla to him on Saturday while Italian defender Gianluca Zambrotta insisted there was nothing wrong with having a drink 48 hours before kick-off as Ronaldinho is supposed to have done recently. Ronaldinho joined Barcelona in 2003 and his silky skills have helped them to two league titles and the Champions League in 2006.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <font size="2" face="Arial">well it won't help going to england with his personal life</font></p> </div></p> Not sure about that but he would make more money. Sell more jerseys, etc. He's recognized everywhere but being in the EPL he would more out there, like in the US, China etc. Both the club and him would benefit from this....lets call it marriage. lol</p> </p>
<font face="Arial" size="2">Even though i still remain to belive that he won't go to another club soon</font></p>
It's really up to him though, if he wants to leave, they can't stop him. (since he can buy out the contract)</p>
<font face="Arial" size="2">would he really leave the nou camp after years of service unlikely</font></p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <font size="2" face="Arial">would he really leave the nou camp after years of service unlikely</font></p> </div></p> Just like Henry left. Again he would become even more popular if he was to move to Chelsea. Sell more jerseys, make more money. Get more attention here in the US. (he does so now but it would only increase)</p> </p>
Rumors going around that he may only for for £14,000,000. Not sure where i heard that. Probably a crappy paper e.g. the sun or NOTW</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Max)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Rumors going around that he may only for for £14,000,000. Not sure where i heard that. Probably a crappy paper e.g. the sun or NOTW</p> </div></p> Petey started the rumor... lol</p> http://sportstwo.com/Thread/View/PREMR/CHELSEA/1821169</p> </p>
