Ronaldinho agent cools exit talk

Roberto De Assis, the brother and agent of Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho, has played down reports the Brazilian will make a summer exit from the Nou Camp.

Manchester City were linked with the 28-year-old after De Assis was a guest at the home game against Chelsea.

But De Assis told Spanish magazine Don Balon: "He has a contract until 2010 and I'm not looking for anything."

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Monday he would love club owner Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Ronaldinho.

De Assis claims the meetings at Eastlands were regarding "personal matters" and did not concern his brother, who is said to be unhappy at Barca.

"My work is to form relationships within the world of football," he said.

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

Ronaldinho, who has started only 13 out of a possible 31 games this season, is currently injured and is set to miss the remainder of Barcelona's campaign.

De Assis admitted, however, that he felt the news of his brother's injury could have been handled better by Barcelona.

"I think that things could have been handled differently when it comes to such an important player that has given so much to the club," he stated.

Eriksson, while surprised with the speculation, enthused: "We would be able to find a place in our team for him, I can guarantee that."

AC Milan and Chelsea have also been linked to the player.

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