Ronaldo plays down Barca rumours

With a move to Real Madrid appearing in doubt, rumours have appeared in Spain and Italy that the Brazilian striker is now trying to engineer a move away from Internazionale himself.

Having arrived in Rio de Janiero for Brazil's friendly with Paraguay in Fortaleza on August 21, Ronaldo played down the claim that he sat out Inter's 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League because he had already been sold to Real.

"There hasn't been any agreement. I am not in any shape to play.

"I am not in the same condition that I was at the World Cup because I only started to train myself ten days ago.

"This will be one more game to celebrate that we won Brazil's fifth World Cup, nothing more."

There have been a number of reports that Inter could have their pick of Fernando Morientes, Claude Makelele or Flavio Conceicao, but if the massive transfer did go through, Real would have to pay an incredible ‚é¼75 million at least.

On the subject of Barca, Ronaldo said ironically: "If that's what's been said it must be true."

Barca are also believed to be closing in on Sporting Lisbon's Jardel meaning a move for Ronaldo is that much less likely to occur.