Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Fernandez insisted today that Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldinho wants to stay at the French side despite interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Forward Ronaldinho, 22, emerged as one of the major stars of the 2002 World Cup as he helped Brazil clinch their record fifth title with a 2-0 final win over Germany last month.
That prompted interest from European champions Real but Fernandez insists the player is happy to stay and continue to learn his trade at PSG.
"Ronaldinho wants to stay with us. We are proud to have a world champion at the club," said Fernandez.
"He is still young and PSG is the ideal place for him to continue his progression. To play at the top we need to keep him."
Ronaldinho, who has four years left on his contract, cost PSG 5.9 million dollars when they signed him from Brazilian side Gremio a year ago.
But following his impressive World Cup displays, where he scored two goals in five games, Real were said to be ready to splash out 37.6 million dollars to sign him.
Real have also been linked with a move for Ronaldinho's striking partner Ronaldo in recent weeks, but last week the player confirmed his intentions to stay on at Italian side Inter Milan. - AFP