Ronaldinho is not going to suffer from sleepless nights worrying about the possibility of warming the Barcelona bench for another season.

The Brazilian was speaking at his first press conference in nearly six months, during which time he has been dismissed from Frank Rijkaard’s first team and has been the bait of much criticism over the dip in his high standards.

Ronaldinho has started only 11 games this season, leading to widespread speculation about his future, with both Chelsea and AC Milan linked with gaining his signature. But the 27-year-old said that although he is unaware where his future lies, he wants to remain with the Catalan giants.

“The future belongs to God,” he said. “I have a few years left on my contract and I see myself here.

“I don’t want to think about what will happen if I have to put up with another season on the bench. That’s not something that enters into my head as I’m very positive and I always imagine myself playing at my best.”

Despite not wanting to be omitted from the starting line-up, Ronaldinho was quick to point out that he accepts the club’s rotation policy and will work hard to force his way back into Rijkaard’s plans. The playmaker continued: “Rotations are normal in a group of players with so much quality.

“I feel good, I’m working hard to get back to my best and my intention now is to play 90 minutes as soon as possible.”

Ronaldinho also said his absence from the microphones was nothing to do with the criticism aimed in his direction.

“I’m not a singer who spends all day in front of microphones. It was time for me to do what I know how to do, which is my job,” he said.

“Nobody likes being criticised but everyone with a mouth talks. It’s not nice hearing certain things, but it just gives me more motivation to get back to my best.”