Eto'o - Leave Ronnie alone

Samuel Eto'o has pleaded with the media to stop their constant harassment of team-mate Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian playmaker has been forced to sit out Barca's last four matches with a mystery injury, leading to mounting speculation that his time at the Camp Nou could be coming to a close.

The former World Player of the Year has seen his role at the Catalan club scrutinised like never before this season, with constant rumours linking him with a move to one of Europe's top sides.

However, Cameroon international Eto'o has leapt to the defence of his fellow forward and insists that the club should be doing everything they can to ensure that Ronaldinho is not hounded out of town.

Truth

"Leave him in peace," he said.

"Everyone talks and writes about it, but on-one waits for him to give his opinion, to speak his truth.

"Leave him, when he is ready, he will speak.

"If he says that he is hurt, then he is hurt. There are injuries that can't be seen in a scan.

"Everyday he is here working on his recovery and we can't ask anything more of him."

Divorce

Ronaldinho has been complaining of discomfort in his right leg, but Barca's medical staff have found no sign of a tendon or muscular injury.

Club president Joan Laporta has been quick to play down the rumours of a "divorce" in relations with the player, and has insisted that he wants to keep the Brazilian in Barcelona.

Ronaldinho did train with the rest of the squad as normal on Wednesday, prompting suggestions that he could be set for a return to action in the near future.