 Ronaldinho helped Barca win two successive league titles |
Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard has defended Ronaldinho over criticism the Brazilian playmaker is overweight. Photos taken following Barca's Champions League defeat to Liverpool appeared to show Ronaldinho carrying a roll of fat around his waist.
Rijkaard said: "When the photo is taken quite close by, with inadequate light or if there is some movement, it can vary the reality a lot.
"In this instance, for me there are doubts. For me, there's no problem."
Ronaldinho was a key influence in Barca's Spanish league title successes in 2005 and 2006 and also helped the club win the Champions League last season.
Rijkaard added: "The player has always given great performances, and I have total confidence in him and we should be happy to have him with us.
"It is such a pity to see how people change opinion so easily about a player who has given so much to this club.
"Thanks to his strength of mind Ronnie has got where he is today, winning titles and prizes on the way."
Ronaldinho has scored 16 goals for Barca this season.
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