Ronaldinho: 'Pep Guardiola didn't force me out at Barcelona'

Ronaldinho has claimed that he was not forced out of Barcelona by Pep Guardiola.

The Brazil forward left Barca for AC Milan in 2008 amid reports that the Spanish coach disliked the alleged party lifestyle that Ronaldinho lived.

However, the former World Player of the Year has said that the theories are wide of the mark.

Speaking to Globo, he said: "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."

The 33-year-old now plays for Atletico Mineiro in his homeland.