Ronaldinho explains Barca exit

The 37-year-old became a Barcelona hero during an incredible five-year spell with the club between 2003 and 2008 before he left for AC Milan but he has now moved to remove the blame often placed upon the shoulders of Pep Guardiola for his departure.

The classy playmaker told Brazilian TV Show 'Quan s'apaguen els llums', which is shown on 'TV3·' that "my exit from Barcelona was my decision, not Guardiola's."

These quotes go against what is largely considered to be the official account, that the player was pushed out of the door by the now Manchester City boss.

The Brazilian suggested that Guardiola would have been happy to keep him for longer but that his mind was made up.

Nevertheless, Ronaldinho still holds a great affinity for the club. "I never really left Barcelona and Barcelona certainly never left me. I still carry them in my heart," he explained.

That passion for the Catalans will come in handy, given that he is currently an ambassador for the club.