'Strained relations' may force Ronaldinho out of Nou Camp
Ronaldinho could be on the verge of leaving Barcelona
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Friday, 28, Mar 2008 09:05
Ronaldinho's brother and agent has admitted the player's relationship with Barcelona is "strained" and he could move clubs in the summer.
In comments to South American website Globoesporte, Roberto Assis revealed that the Brazilian international has become somewhat disillusioned with life at the Nou Camp and may look elsewhere at the end of the season.
And while Assis believes this relationship could be improved if Barcelona can lay their hands on some silverware, he is in no doubt that Ronaldinho is unhappy.
"The relationship is strained," Assis said.
"But imagine if Barca win the Champions League. They wouldn't let him go if he was a champion, would they?
"With their hands on a title, everything would be different."
Assis has claimed Ronaldinho could even take advantage of a Fifa transfer regulation - known as article 17 - to buy out the remainder of his contract during the next transfer window because his release clause is prohibitively high.
This would make it easier for Premier League clubs to make a realistic offer to the 28-year-old, whose current release clause requires an £85 million bid, particularly from Tottenham Hotspur manager Juande Ramos who has already publicly expressed an interest.
"The possibility of Ronaldinho leaving Barcelona is always there," Assis continued.
"We are aware of the release clause, but we also know about the existence of article 17. Anything is possible.
"In football, results determine how things go. Barcelona have not won anything since last season and, as Ronaldinho is the star of the team, he is the one who is given the worst criticism."
Barcelona face a Champions League quarter-final against Schalke 04 next month and will face either Serie A high-flyers AS Roma or Premier League leaders Manchester United in the last four if they are to reach a second final in three years.
They also trail rivals and reigning champions Real Madrid by six points in their chase for the domestic La Liga title.