Leonardo: AC Milan's Pato just lilke Shevchenko

Leonardo has likened Alexandre Pato to AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko.

Leonardo, now involved with the Milan football staff, said of his fellow Brazilian: "On the field, you can see his polish and ability to create and finish. He has great charisma when he's playing.

"He knows how to finish attacks. He enjoys being involved, just like Sheva. He can play as a striker or just off the forwards. He will improve, at Milan there is the right atmosphere to do so."

AC Milan medical chiefs slammed over Ronaldo treatment

Confusion reigns over the fitness of AC Milan striker Ronaldo.

Milan medical chiefs say Ronaldo will be available for the club's Serie A clash with Siena on September 5. A problem with the striker's knee has been discover.

However, Brazil doctors say differently, with Jose Luis Runco telling O Globo: "We will apply a treatment we call Growth Factor.

"He should stay in Rio for at least a week."

Ronaldo's personal physiotherapist Bruno Mazziotti is also in Brazil with the Milan striker.

Yesterday, Mazziotti rapped: "We think that the treatment Milan gave him wasn't the correct course of action."

Kaka Cool About Starting On The Bench

SAO PAULO, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Brazil midfielder Kaka says he has no complaints about having to sit on the substitutes' bench for his country, despite his rampant success at club level.

Kaka was voted the best player in last year's Champions League after finishing as top scorer with 10 goals on his way to helping AC Milan win the trophy.

Yet when Brazil faced modest Algeria in a friendly last month, he suffered the indignity of starting on the bench.

Kaka, however, said he agreed with coach Dunga's decision, which followed his controversial request to skip the Copa America in Venezuela in June and July.

"Ever since he (Dunga) took over, he has said that nobody has a guaranteed place in the team and I think that's fair," Kaka told Reuters in a telephone interview from Italy.

"That's how it has to be, everybody has to win his place. I think it's a fair way to pick the team."
Kaka and Barcelona's Ronaldinho asked to sit out the Copa America in Venezuela in June and

July, saying they were tired after the long European season.

Dunga has demanded complete dedication from his players, however.

"I was on the physical limit," said Kaka, justifying his request to skip the tournament, which Brazil still won.

"I wasn't frustrated exactly because I'm aware of what I've achieved. What I have done is a memory for me, a landmark in my life."

Kaka played the second half of the Algeria match, which Brazil won 2-0 and is in the squad for the friendlies against the United States in Chicago on Sunday and against Mexico in Boston three days later.

"If the games are not in Europe, the club is not obliged to release me but for these two friendlies I asked Milan not to create any problems with the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) as I want to play," he said.

CLUB CUP

Kaka said his big target this season was to win the Club World Cup which will be held in Japan in December and where Argentina's Boca Juniors are likely to be Milan's biggest threat.

"The world club cup is a title which is missing for me. In Brazil, we learn as we are growing up that this is the most important title.

"Here in Europe, it doesn't have the same value as it has for we Brazilians but my dream is to win this championship."

Kaka, the subject of recent speculation about a move to Real Madrid, said he might leave Milan before his contract ended in 2011.

"This year at least, I will continue at Milan. But further ahead, I don't know. I'm happy and my family have adapted to Italy but it depends on Milan too.

"I don't want to stay in a place where neither myself nor the club are satisfied."

Kaka said he supported the idea of Brazil hosting the 2014 World Cup, a tournament for which the country is the only candidate.

"Brazil can only win by staging this World Cup," he said. "We have time. A lot can happen before 2014 in terms of organisation."

Kaka, who will be 32 by then, said he had not considered whether he would be playing in the tournament.

"I don't even know if I will take part in the next one in 2010, let alone in 2014," he said.

Dunga Calls Up Edu And Gladstone

Brazil coach Dunga has named Edu Dracena and Gladstone in his squad to play the United States and Mexico.

The defensive duo, who play at Fenerbahce and Sporting Lisbon respectively, have been called up because of the injuries suffered by Chelsea's Alex and Sao Paulo's Alex Silva.

Alex has an ankle injury, while Alex Silva had a muscular problem during his team's goalless Campeonato Brasileiro draw with Atletico Mineiro.

As both Edu Dracena and Gladstone have European passports, they will not have any problem entering the United States.

The delegation is flying to North America on Thursday evening, where the Selecao are playing Bob Bradley's side on Sunday and Mexico next Wednesday.

Pato Scores As Milan Share Spoils With Dinamo Kiev

Dinamo Kiev celebrated their 80th anniversary by playing a friendly against European champions AC Milan, which finished 2-2.

Milan came from two goals down to secure a draw against Dynamo Kiev in the friendly to mark the 80th anniversary of the Ukrainian club.

With former Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko watching from the sidelines, much-hyped

Brazilian wonder-kid Alexandre Pato made an impressive debut, even scoring a goal.

The Milan defence had serious difficulties at the start, as Dinamo opened the scoring after only six minutes with a header by Artem Milevskiy, who was found all alone inside the area.

After some more chances for the home side, with Brazilian defender Digao making a crucial goal line clearance, Pato fashioned a chance for Milan out of nothing in the 19th minute.

However, his assist found Alberto Gilardino in an offside position, so his 'goal' was called off.

Two minutes after that, it was 2-0 for the home side, as Goran Gavrancic fired a precise diagonal shot after a scrappy move.

Following the second goal Milan improved, and Pato had his first shot on goal, a left-footer which required the goalkeeper to make a good save, in the 23rd minute.

Shortly thereafter, Pato was again in the spotlight, as he played a nice one-two with Pierre Aubameyang, but fired his shot wide from a good position.

The impressive young Brazilian finally got his reward just before half-time, as he headed in a cross from the right by Daniele Bonera to give Milan a lifeline going into the second half.

Only five minutes into the restart, Gilardino finally got his long-awaited goal, as he controlled the ball with his chest, before dribbling past the goalkeeper and slotting into an empty net.
There were to be no more goals after this equaliser, although Pato continued to impress, distributing precise passes and showing strong overall technique. There were also some moments of glory for long-time Milan substitute keeper Valerio Fiori, who was on hand to prevent Dinamo making 3-2 on several occasions in the final part of the game.

In the final minutes, there was even some room for coach Carlo Ancelotti's son Davide, who plays with the Milan youth team and came in two minutes before the end of this match.

Liverpool's Mascherano: Leiva needs time

Javier Mascherano is tipping new Liverpool teammate Lucas Leiva for big things.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "I played against him in Brazil when he was with Gremio and I was at Corinthians. He gave me a tough game, so I know he is a really good player. But when you arrive in another country you have new teammates and you have to learn a language. Maybe you have to play in a different way, so you need time."

Real Zaragoza hit with £17M Matuzalem compo demand

Shakhtar Donetsk have hit Real Zaragoza with a £17 million compensation demand over their signing of Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem.

The Ukrainians allege that Zaragoza colluded with Matuzalem to terminate his contract without permission after an official approach for the player was turned down.

In July, Zaragoza said they had agreed a deal with Shakhtar after bidding £8 million for the 27-year-old but the Donetsk team said they rejected the offer.

Shakhtar said they were particularly upset at losing Matuzalem on the eve of their Champions League campaign.

"The illegal approach and transfer are the fundamental causes of our complaint," Shakhtar executive director Serhiy Palkin said in a statement sent to Reuters.

"But FIFA must also take into consideration Matuzalem was a vital member of our team, someone who would be extremely difficult and expensive to replace."

A spokesman for Zaragoza said the Primera Liga club were unconcerned.
"Zaragoza aren't worried by the matter," he said. "We followed FIFA guidelines and so did the player.

"We have given FIFA our side of the story and the matter is now in their hands."

Brazil's Palmeiras signs young Paraguayan midfielder Fretes

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — Four-time Brazilian champion Palmeiras said Tuesday it has reached a deal to sign 19-year-old Paraguayan midfielder Diego Fretes.

Fretes, who has played in Paraguay's national youth squads, was acquired from Guanari and will initially play for Palmeiras's "B" team in the lower divisions of Brazilian soccer.

Palmeiras club directors said the player is likely to join the senior team next season.

Contract details were not released.

Palmeiras, the 1999 Copa Libertadores champion, is sixth in the 20-team Brazilian league with 36 points from 23 matches. The club faces Botafogo on Thursday at Palestra Italia stadium in Sao Paulo looking to snap a two-match losing streak.

Rivaldo Backs Anderson

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed compatriot Anderson to be a success at Manchester United, if he is given time.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously asked the Old Trafford faithful to show patience with Anderson after a less than impressive Premier League debut against Sunderland.

Anderson, who joined United in the summer in a £17million move from Porto, lasted only 45 minutes against the Black Cats on Saturday before being replaced by match winner Louis Saha.

However, Rivaldo - a former World Player of the Year - has echoed the sentiments of Ferguson and insists the 19-year-old will be a star in England.

"He's very good, a huge talent, but you need to be patient with him," Rivaldo told the Daily Star.

"His development should be controlled, giving him encouragement but everything done calmly.

"We're talking about a youngster who has the qualities to be a great player."

United fans will be wary of another Brazilian flop after the club spent £5.9million on World Cup winner Kleberson in 2003. He was shipped out to Besiktas two years later after making only 16 Premier League starts.

Doni to be rewarded with new Roma deal

Roma are set to reward goalkeeper Doni with a new pay-rise.

The Brazilian is currently on £800,000-a-year, but his value on the market has increased substantially, says Il Romanista, after lifting the Copa America this summer.

Doni was also influential in Roma winning the race for former Real Madrid fullback Cicinho and is expected to be rewarded for his impact with a bumper new deal.

I Could Still Play For Madrid - Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos returned to Madrid to meet up with some of his old friends and revealed that he thinks he would have been able to earn a place in Bernd Schuster's new look side.

The Brazilian wing-back left Real Madrid to join Fenerbahçe, but has maintained contact with his former club and is impressed by what he has seen.

Despite all the new arrivals, he believes that if he had stayed at the Bernabéu he would have been a regular in the team still."I would have a place in this Real Madrid side," Roberto Carlos stated.

The 34-year-old pushed through his exit from Madrid, but admits that when it came down to finally leaving it him hard."The day that I collected my things from my locker in the changing room I cried," he continued.

Looking at the new arrivals, Roberto Carlos picked out one player who has impressed him int he opening games of the campaign."I think Wesley Sneijder is great," he explained. "I have only seen him play a couple of times, but he looks to have everything."He will be one of the stars of the side."

Ronaldinho Names Three Teammates In Top Five Players List

London, England - Two-time FIFA World Footballer of the Year Ronaldinho Gaúcho, has listed his top five players in the world, and included three of his Barcelona teammates in his selection.

The Brazil international forward filled out his all-star list with AC Milan's Kaka and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a commendable show of team solidarity, Ronaldinho included the 20 year-old Argentine and Barcelona star Lionel Messi in his list, but balanced his "treachery," by naming fellow Brazil international Kaka in the five strong list which also includes Portugal playmaker Deco, and France star Thierry Henry.

Explaining why he chose Messi, Ronaldinho told FourFourTwo magazine: "His progress is incredible. And when a Brazilian says that about an Argentine, it's a huge compliment.
"He's so quick and keeps the ball so close to his feet that they have to foul him. And if they foul him close to the area we get a free-kick.
"When I think of Leo, I smile."

Kaka's stunning performance for AC Milan against Manchester United in last season's Champions League, earned him a place on the list.
"I knew he was a great player because I saw him developing as a youngster at Sao Paulo," Ronaldinho said. "He went to places like Manchester in front of all those English fans and great players, and was not overawed.

"He was the best player on the pitch, always moving forward with grace and ready to score important goals. Now Kaka is the complete player."

And Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo, was included because Ronaldinho loves to watch him play: "He dribbles a lot and has great style." He said.
"I love to watch him go one-to-one against a player because he confuses defenders. Manchester United are a great attacking team and I love to watch Cristiano because he's improved tremendously in the last two years.

"He is more of a team player now, less selfish. But he still provides moments of skill which can change a game."

Singling out Thiery Henry for praise Ronaldinho said: "He's played at such a high level for so long and the consistency of his goal record is incredible, but he is so much more than a goalscorer.
"Arsenal became one of the best teams in Europe and Thierry Henry was a major reason for that.

Before we [Barcelona] played them in the Champions League final, we identified him as the player who could give us the most problems. And now it's great that he is with us at Barcelona."

And Ronaldinho -- full name Ronaldo de Assís Moreira -- took a friendly dig at his teammate Deco, who although born in Brazil, took Portuguese citizenship when he played for FC Porto: "Deco is someone with a little bit of everything, a complete player. He supports me when I play for Barcelona and is always there if I need to pass to him.

He can play, and -- people forget this -- defending is a very important part to his game.
"Do I wish he played for Brazil? I still tell him that he's not good enough to play for Brazil."

Ronaldinho's list is included in a compilation of the world's top 100 players produced by FourFourTwo magazine which also features the top five selections of England's Michael Owen (Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Lionel Messi); Liverpool striker Fernando Torres (Gerrard, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney and Henry); and Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy (Messi, David Beckham, Kaka, Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic).

Brasileirão 2007 – Round 23 – Results

São Paulo 6 X 0 Paraná
Flamengo 1 X 1 Sport
América-RN 0 X 3 Juventude
Cruzeiro 5 X 0 Palmeiras
Grêmio 3 X 0 Botafogo
Atlético-PR 1 X 0 Atlético-MG
Corinthians 2 X 0 Santos
Náutico 1 X 1 Internacional
Fluminense 1 X 1 Vasco
Goiás 2 X 1 Figueirense

Luis Fabiano Comments On Impressive Start To Season

Sevilla’s Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano comments on an outstanding start to the season, that has seen him already find the back of the net five times.

Luis Fabiano put on a sensational performance, scoring twice, in the 4-1 victory over AEK Athens in a Champions League qualifier.

“Since I arrived in Europe, it was the match in which I felt the best,” he told reporters.
After helping Sevilla reach their objective, that was qualification to the group stage of the Champions League, he said:

“It is my third season here and I have more confidence.

"We can go far in the Champions League. If we win our home matches, we will have the possibility to finish in first position in the group”.

Although the Brazilian was often used as a substitute last season, he still managed to score 15 goals in total. He has continued the good work this season, scoring five times in August.

"For me, to have a good season would be scoring, at a minimum, 15 goals. Well, it would be better if it were 16, one more than last season”.

Attacking partner Kanoute has also been in fine form so far this season, after also having scored five times, and it seems that Sevilla will improve on last season’s outstanding campaign, where they fought Real Madrid and Barcelona all the way.

From the six matches they’ve played so far this season, Sevilla have scored an impressive 17 goals.

'Anderson Will Take Time' Says Ferguson

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has reassured fans that new signing Anderson will come good and just needs time to settle in.

The 19-year-old joined United in the summer from FC Porto after a whirlwind rise to stardom, playing just 18 games at competitive senior level before being snapped up by Ferguson.

So far Anderson’s Old Trafford career has stuttered somewhat. He managed a run out against Doncaster Rovers in a summer friendly and made his Premiership debut against Sunderland at the weekend.

However the Brazil international failed to make his mark in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch.
Ferguson has no doubts Anderson will begin to show his talents soon.

"He'll take time. He's 19 years of age and is a player with great skill, I'm sure he'll be okay," he told United’s official website.

"I thought he found it difficult against Sunderland because of the speed of the game and the way they set their stall out made it difficult for us.

"Also if you look at the four that played - Anderson, Eagles, Tevez and Nani - they've never played with each other.

"But we were pleased to get 45 minutes behind Anderson. Hopefully, the two weeks before the Everton game will give him a chance to improve."

The manager ensured Anderson got minutes under his belt last night, the midfielder playing in United’s 3-1 defeat to City in the first reserve derby of the season.

AC Milan concerns over Ronaldo injury

AC Milan striker Ronaldo is still struggling with injury.

The Brazilian has been ruled out of tomorrow's friendly against Dynamo Kiev, though coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes to have him available after the international break for their Serie A clash with Siena.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "I cannot say when he will return."

Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato turns 18, travels to Italy

Porto Alegre, Brazil - Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, transferred to Milan AC for 22 million euros (some 30 million dollars) in August, travelled to Italy Monday to join his new club one day after turning 18. Pato, issued from Internacional Porto Alegre's youth schemes and considered the most talented Brazilian player of his generation, celebrated his coming of age with a modest party attended only by relatives and close friends, the daily Zero Hora reported.

The striker turned 18 two days after the European transfer window closed, so he will not be allowed to play official games with Milan AC until January 2008. He will however be able to represent the club in friendlies, and Brazilian media expect him to play on Thursday in a game against Dynamo Kiev.

Pato travels to Italy following a short but successful career at Internacional.

He made his debut with the Brazilian club in November and it took him only two minutes to score a goal.

His second game with Internacional was at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, where he scored the Brazilian side's first goal in the history of the tournament. Pato and his team mates went on to win the competition.

This year, Pato played a key role in Brazil's Under-20 squad.

Alves Nets Top Award

Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves has been named Dutch Player of the Year following an impressive first season in Holland.

The Brazilian marksman hit 34 goals in 31 Eredivisie outings in the 2006/07 season as Heerenveen finished fifth in the Dutch top flight.

The 26-year-old, who joined Heerenveen from Malmo in 2006, was not present at the awards ceremony amid ongoing rumours that the player is unsettled at the club.

Heerenveen coach Gertjan Verbeek collected the award in Alves' absence.
Former PSV Eindhoven pair Phillip Cocu and Alex claimed second and third place in the voting respectively.

Meanwhile, emerging PSV talent Ibrahim Afellay received the Johan Cruyff award for Young Player of the Year while the Holland side that claimed the European Under-21 Championship crown were named Team of the Year.

Former Holland coach and current boss of Russia Guus Hiddink was presented with a lifetime achievement award.

Brazil coach Dunga: Only Adriano can change Adriano

Brazil coach Dunga says Inter Milan striker Adriano must take a close look at himself in the mirror.

Asked about the Brazilian's deteriorating situation at Inter, Dunga said: "If I was to speak with him, I wouldn't treat him as a victim. I wouldn't be a shoulder for him to cry on.

"He must forget about the past and start again from zero. It doesn't matter where he plays on the field, he must get into his head that it matters when he will return to the field.

"If Adriano returns - and returns to be a starter with Inter - then he can also get back into the Selecao. Who can help him? No-one. Only Adriano can change Adriano."

Serie A - Adriano unperturbed by snub

Internazionale striker Adriano insists he is not worried by his Champions League snub.

The Brazilian's name did not feature on Inter's list of 25 players to be registered with UEFA for this year's competition when it was announced on Sunday.

But the burly marksman claims the snub does not bother him and that he is happy with the Italian champions.

"If [Inter coach] Roberto Mancini didn't want me he would have definitely put me out," Adriano told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"Mancini explained to me it was a hypothesis he was considering. I told him to do what he wanted.

"It is for this reason I haven't been surprised by the exclusion. I only think about training and I'm tranquil."

Adriano's form and attitude was called into question for much of last season, prompting intense speculation he may quit the Giuseppe Meazza on a loan deal over the summer.

But the 25-year-old refused to leave on a temporary basis, saying if he was forced out he would prefer not to return. Mancini ultimately decided to keep Adriano, allowing sixth striker Alvaro Recoba to join Torino instead.

And his exclusion from European football will now mean Adriano will be able to concentrate on his domestic game.

Mancini said: "From my side there has always been faith, even when he has been excluded before.

"I'm convinced he could come back as the player he was, but he must out something personal.

"We will do our best to help him. Working in a pair you are successful."

694 Brazilian football players to land Europe

BRASILIA, Aug. 31 -- In total, 694 Brazilian football players will abandon their clubs in the country to land Europe, after the end of the summer transfer period of European leagues.

From June to August 31, all the principal Brazilian clubs would rather close their eyes because they could not offer the same salary proposed by European clubs, principal destination of young Brazilian football players.

The most brilliant one would be International’s 17-year-old forward Alexandre Pato. AC Milan paid 20 million U.S. dollars to sign the young Brazilian who will get an annual salary of 2.5 million U.S. dollars from his Italian boss.

Though leader actually of the Brazilian Championship, Sao Paulo is unable to keep its players from leaving. Ilsinho will join the Shakhtar Donetsk club in Ukraine, midfield Josue will transfer to Bundesliga club Wolfsburg, and Lenilson will play with Jaguares of Mexico.

Botafogo, the runner-up in the state league of Rio de Janeiro, should see off its best goal scorer, Andre Lima, who will join the Hertha Berlin club in Germany.

Santos' Ze Roberto has long time ago announced his return to Europe. He signed with Bayern Munich and the promising midfield Cleber Santana already started to vest the shirt of Spain's Atletico de Madrid.

One of the clubs who suffer the most is Gremio. It sold to Liverpool young star Lucas, also release goalkeeper Cassio to PSV Heindoveen and Lucio to Hertha Berlin and forward Carlos Eduardo to Hoffenhein.

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently said a new law is being drafted to curb the exodus of talent.

In an interview published last Sunday by the daily O Estado de Sao Paulo, Lula pointed out that the law prepared by football legend Pele, which allows players above 18 years old to choose clubs, should be revised.

"It's absurd: in Brazil, you could not find a player under 20 years, nor a player above 30 years ... because players under 20 years go to those great clubs in Europe and players above 30 years choose Japan as destination", said Lula.

Anderson: I Want To Be Involved In Every Game

Manchester United new boy Anderson made his competitive debut for the club at the weekend against Sunderland at Old Trafford, a moment the Brazilian will cherish.

The midfielder had made his debut for the club against Doncaster Rovers in a pre-season friendly but was struck down by injury at the start of the season and has taken some time to get back to full fitness.

The former Porto star has shot to stardom, having only played in Portugal for less than two years he was courted by United and brought to England in July.

His potential was obviously spotted early and manager Alex Ferguson wasted no time in bringing the 19-year-old to Old Trafford as a long term replacement for Paul Scholes in midfield.

Anderson’s start at United was a wining one, playing the first half in their 1-0 victory over Sunderland, being replaced at the break by match winner Louis Saha.

The Brazil international was delighted to have finally made his first competitive appearance for the club.

“It was amazing, not just for me but for my family as well. As a young boy it was always my dream to play for a big European club. I was lucky enough to do it with FC Porto and now I’m at United. I feel proud to be here and I want to do my best,” he told United’s official website.

Anderson revealed that he was finally convinced to join United this summer on the recommendation of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’m good friends with Cristiano Ronaldo and he told me about the club and what a great place it is. Joining United is a dream come true for any footballer in the world. I’m really excited to be here and hope I can do well,” he continued.

The youngster knows that in Paul Scholes he has serious competition for a starting place as at 32, the former England ace shows no signs of hanging up his boots yet.

“He’s a top player with great qualities who has won a lot for Manchester United and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing alongside him.

“But the important thing is the team. All the players have the same objective and that’s to help the team become successful,” he concluded.

Real Betis striker Sobis: I feel so much better

Real Betis striker Rafael Sobis is feeling in good shape in the early weeks of the new season.

The Brazilian has seen Betis take two points from the first two games and said: "I feel far better and I hope that it is my year. I feel better in every sense.

"I'll play anywhere the coach wants me to, but I hope to continue playing as a striker."

Belletti convinced Ronaldinho was joining Chelsea

New Chelsea fullback Juliano Belletti was convinced former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho would be joining him at Stamford Bridge last week, it has been revealed.

Barcelona's influential DiarioSport says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich went well down the road in prising the Brazilian superstar away from the Nou Camp.

Reacting to reports in the English press the Catalan daily declared today:

• Chelsea have a formal five-year contract worth £7 million-a-season drawn up - which only lacks the signature of Ronaldinho.
  


• Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich twice met with Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, last week in London. An offer of £45 million was discussed during the meetings. Assis was flown to London on Chelsea's private jet and also covered his hotel bills.
  


• Assis admitted to friends that Ronaldinho could leave Barcelona before the first Champions League game.
  


• Most of Ronaldinho's Barcelona teammates believe he will be leaving.
  Belletti, who was in Barcelona on Monday, assured a high level DiarioSport source that "this season it's possible Ronaldinho will be my teammate".
  


• Assis informed Barcelona president Joan Laporta of Chelsea's offer. Laporta replied that the club will not sell any of their top players, unless a transfer request is made.