De Assis denies Ronaldinho exit

Roberto Assis, the brother and agent of Barcelona star Ronaldinho, has played down reports the 28-year-old will make a summer exit from the Nou Camp.

The Brazil international has been linked with a move to either AC Milan, Internazionale, Cheslea or Manchester City.

"My work is to form relationships within the world of football," he told Spanish football magazine Don Balon.

He added: "It is normal for me to travel to speak with certain people about personal matters when I believe it to be necessary."

"He (Ronaldinho) has a contract until 2010 and I'm not looking for anything."

Ronaldinho has been reported to be leaving the club for some time, following a turbulent season in which he started only 13 of a possible 31 games.

He last played in the 2-1 defeat at home to Villarreal on March 9, since which time he has complained of thigh pains despite the fact that an initial scan carried out by the club on March 18 showed no sign of injury.

The former world player of the year has since been ruled out for much of the remainder of the season after a later scan found evidence of damage in his thigh, but De Assis does not believe this signals the end of Ronaldinho's Barca career.

"This is one of the things that hurts a footballer most: not being able to help his team-mates in a difficult moment," he said.

"It's very early to be talking of his last game. There could be some change and he could be playing again soon."