Laporta locks 'Dinho door --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barcelona have come out on Spanish television to shoot down reports Ronaldinho is ready to join Milan.
“Ronaldinho will continue to wear the Blaugrana jersey for a long time,” President Joan Laporta told interviewers.
“At least until 2010, the date in which his contract expires, even though it is my intention to soon reach an agreement to extend.”
The Press in Spain and Italy has been rife with claims that the former FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner was angling for a summer move to Milan, where he would join Brazilians Kaka and Ronaldo.
The Rossoneri have boosted these reports with President Silvio Berlusconi and transfer guru Adriano Galliani repeatedly stating: “If Ronaldinho leaves Barca, then we are in super pole position. He would not go to any other club.”
The Spanish side has decided to take matters into its own hands by giving a series of interviews throughout the media this weekend assuring there is no split.
“During the Deportivo La Coruna game, our director of sport Txiki Begiristain met agent Roberto Assis, who reassured him of Ronaldinho’s love for this shirt and his firm intention to continue his career with us,” added Laporta.
“We have also already set down the foundations for a contract extension that will prolong our rapport.
“I can see no reason why our best player should leave. He is our focal point, both on the field and in terms of image. Frank Rijkaard is very happy with his performances and Ronaldinho likes playing for Barcelona.”
The Selecao star himself also went on television channel TV3 to deny he was eager to walk out on the Nou Camp side.
“The rapport with the fans is perfect. I want to stay and they make me feel I should,” said Ronaldinho.