The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Barcelona urge Ronaldinho to find new home

Ronaldinho

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes it's time for Ronaldinho to find a new club.

Laporta said the two-time FIFA player of the year could leave the Camp Nou stadium with striker Samuel Eto'o as new coach Pep Guardiola looks to bring stability back to Barcelona next season.

"We've told Ronaldinho that he needs new challenges," Laporta said. "When you finish an era, it's normal that the leading figures should leave.

"Last year, we thought that it might be the year to sell him, but given his enthusiasm and the appreciation that a club like Barcelona needs to have, we decided to let him stay on. Things haven't turned out the way he wanted them to."

Ronaldinho played only 17 league games for the Catalans this season after rarely missing a match to injury following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2003. Questions over his attitude and social habits took its toll over the course of the season.

"(We) thought that (Ronaldinho) deserved another chance," Laporta said. "He was excited about becoming the world's best player again. We thought he deserved it."

Enduring criticism

Eto'o has been unhappy after enduring criticism to close the season. The Cameroon striker has talked of playing in England or Italy.

"He has also been one of the most emblematic players of this cycle and if he has to go, then he deserves to do so with his head held high, too, and with honour," Laporta said.

Barcelona finished third in the Spanish league, 18 points adrift of rival and champion Real Madrid.

Seek new club

Coach Frank Rijkaard, who guided the Catalans to consecutive league titles and the 2006 Champions League, was let go after a second straight season without a trophy, while Portugal midfielder Deco has been told to seek another club.

Sports director Txiki Begiristain said yesterday that negotiations with Manchester United over the transfer of Gerard Pique were "well advanced". The defender, a former Barcelona youth player, is expected to join the Catalans shortly after tomorrow's Champions League final against Chelsea.