Ronaldinho staying put in Barcelona

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says Ronaldinho is staying despite rumors linking him with Chelsea and AC Milan.

BARCELONA - Ronaldinho will not be leaving the Nou Camp during the January transfer window, Barcelona supremo Joan Laporta has insisted.


The Brazilian forward has been linked with both English Premier League side Chelsea and Italian Serie A giants AC Milan, but club president Laporta said after the Catalan outfit's 2-1 triumph over Deportivo La Coruna that Ronaldinho is staying put.


"We are not going to sell Ronaldinho," he said. "We are not in contact with any other team (about him)."


The 27-year-old Ronaldinho, who is in his fifth campaign with Barcelona, is under contract through June 30, 2010.


His penalty equaliser five minutes before half-time against Deportivo La Coruna was his sixth goal of the season.


The victory over Depor has left Barcelona in second place, four points behind Real Madrid.