SAO PAULO: Ronaldinho (pic) says he plans to play for Brazil at the Olympics in defiance of the wishes of his FC Barcelona club.

“I do not see myself being left out of Beijing,” Ronaldinho said during a press conference at a charity event on Tuesday.

“I see myself in the Olympics doing good things and bringing home the gold medal.”

Ronaldinho was named in Brazil’s Olympic squad on Monday, but a day later Barcelona posted a statement on their website saying the former world Player of the Year “will have to report for training on Monday, the first session of the 2008-09 season.”

“The Olympics do not form part of the official Fifa calendar, and no official decision has ever been made in that respect, so the club are under no obligation to allow their player to travel,” the statement said.

Brazil are scheduled to gather in two weeks for the Olympics — the only significant title they have never won.

“I feel very motivated and happy for having been summoned to the team,” Ronaldinho said.

“My aim is now to prepare myself for the Olympic Games — an honour few players have received.”

Ronaldinho’s agent and brother, Roberto de Assis, said he was also confident that Ronaldinho would be going to Beijing.

“Barcelona have always treated Ronaldinho very well and we are sure everything will work out and that we will be going to Beijing,” he said. — AP