Team matters most, not Ronaldinho, says Cruyff

MADRID (AFP) - Dutch legend Johan Cruyff insists that Barcelona can afford to leave their Brazilian star Ronaldinho out of the squad.

Ronaldinho pulled out of the La Liga match against Sevilla on Saturday complaining of a calf problem, a few days after it was reported he had been seen out partying 48 hours before last weekend's scoreless draw with Osasuna.

His absence during the 2-1 defeat of Sevilla, and the recent reports on his nocturnal sorties by the Spanish sports dailies have led Ronaldinho's entourage to claim there is a camapaign to push him out of the club.

Meanwhile Dutchman Cruyff, whose donned the blue and purple shirt of Barcelona during his illustrious career, said Monday the Catalan giants should be able to rest the influential playmaker whenever it takes their fancy.

"The team is more important than the individual. When the time comes to formulate the squad -- and plan the three substitutions -- you always have to send out the best side, that is, those in best shape," he wrote in his column in Barcelona-based newspaper El Periodico.

"And if Ronaldinho, or whoever, is not well because he has just played for his national side or because he is coming from a long trip or whatever, it is not a problem. There are matches for him and for everyone," he added.

Cruyff's comment comes amidst ongoing press speculation that the 27-year-old Brazilian has fallen out with the Spanish club.

Sports daily Marca reported on its internet site that Ronaldinho is tired of what he feels is a campaign against him, while British daily The Sun claims the player has asked his brother and agent Roberto de Assis to negotiate his transfer to London-based Chelsea.

Assis is reported as saying: "I'm sure that a campaign exists against Ronaldinho.

"He is doing everything he can in order to return to his very best and soon he will see the fruits of his hard work. He will be at a high level again soon.

"I have read many absurd stories about his nightlife and I do not want to comment on them. Ronaldinho still has four years on his contract at Barcelona and is calm."

The 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year was reportedly spotted at a nightclub 48 hours before last weekend's scoreless draw with Osasuna.

The star has denied the report and Assis suggested in comments published in Catalan newspaper Sport that press criticism has come from Barcelona officials who want to see the player leave.

"Ronaldinho has a clear conscience and has done nothing to soil the image of the club," said Assis.

Barcelona said on Monday that Ronaldinho, who arrived at the Nou Camp in 2003 and helped the club to two Spanish titles and the 2006 Champions League crown, was having treatment on his injury and they were monitoring the situation ahead of a Wednesday league match against Zaragoza.