Barca stand by Ronaldinho

Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has insisted the club will stand by Ronaldinho through his spell of bad form. Chelsea have recently been linked with a £50m move for the Brazilian.

"He has brought success back to all Barcelona fans and for that we must be grateful," said Laporta. "We must stand by him because I am sure he will soon give us successful afternoons again.

"He is suffering because he is injured. He is sticking to his rehab programme and perhaps won't be ready for the games against Real Zaragoza or Levante, but will be fit for Stuttgart."