Former Barcelona striker Ronaldinho has rejected claims Pep Guardiola forced him out of the club after taking over at the Camp Nou.
Brazilian star Ronaldinho left for Milan in summer 2008 for a fee of €21m, with reports at the time proclaiming Guardiola had told him he was not part of his plans for the forthcoming season.
However, the 33-year-old told Globo’s ‘Bem Amigos’ programme that his departure had nothing to do with Guardiola’s arrival on the Barca bench.
“We didn’t even work together but he was always my friend, because I’m a very good friend of his brother Pere.
“At the time Pep wanted me to stay but I had already taken the decision to seek new challenges,” explained Ronaldinho, who was asked about the best Coach he had played under.
“Without a doubt it was [Frank] Rijkaard. He was my idol and as a child I tried to imitate him.
“He understands a lot about football and off the pitch he is also a very good person.”
