Ronaldinho will not be leaving Barcelona this summer, according to Roberto Assis, the brother and agent.

Reports had suggested Manchester City were among a number of clubs weighing up a bid to sign the former world footballer of the year after Assis was given the VIP treatment at Eastlands on Saturday when City lost 2-0 to Chelsea.

However, his brother is now playing down reports linking the Brazil international with a move away from the Nou Camp, saying his is under contract until 2010 and his trip to Eastlands was a 'personal matter' that didn't concern Ronaldinho.

"My work is to form relationships within the world of football," Assis said. "It is normal for me to travel to speak with certain people about personal matters when I believe it to be necessary."

"He [Ronaldinho] has a contract until 2010 and I'm not looking for anything," he added.

It is thought Ronaldinho, who is currently injured, is looking for a new club following a injury-hit season in which he started only 13 of a possible 31 games.

Rivaldo, the former Barcelona player, further fuelled conspiracy theories last month when he suggested that the club was turning Ronaldinho's persistent thigh injury into an excuse to sell the player. And while De Assis has refused to respond to Rivaldo's comments directly, he says he feels the news of his brother's injury could have been better managed.

"I think that things could have been handled differently when it comes to such an important player that given so much to the club," he said.

Although the 28-year-old forward is considered a player in decline it is thought AC Milan, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City would all have to match his £100,000 per week wage demands if they want to sign the player.