Ronaldinho dismisses Chelsea link

Brazil and Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho has rejected suggestions that he could be set to join Chelsea.

He has two-and-a-half years left on his deal but has been linked to the Blues since Jose Mourinho's managerial exit.

Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis is also thought to have held a meeting with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during the summer.

But Ronaldinho, 27, told newspaper El Mundo: "Not Chelsea or Milan. I want to stay at Barcelona, that is my wish."

Ronaldinho has missed the last three Barca games through injury but he is back in their squad for Tuesday's Champions League match with Stuttgart, while Chelsea face Valencia on Wednesday.

The Brazilian's private life has been under scrutiny in a newspaper report in recent weeks.

And Ronaldinho said of the story: "It has bothered me because I have been here for five seasons now and I have always been in the same position and behaved in a similar manner.

"It bothered me but that is normal - life isn't always wonderful. I am content because my life is centred on my work and I will give my answers on the field. It is there where I will respond."

Chelsea appointed Avram Grant as successor to Mourinho and have played three games since the Portuguese coach left the club.

The Blues lost to Manchester United and drew with Fulham in the Premier League but beat Hull in the Carling Cup.

Source: BBC Sport