Aware of speculation over Ronaldinho's future, with new contract talks yet to open and Spanish tax laws set to take effect, Rijkaard said: "He is now with us, working hard and is very important for the team.

"I do not like to talk about hypotheticals.

"Ronaldinho will not leave. He still has much to demonstrate at Barca. He can develop many more things with us. He is what we want."