Ronnie: "I'm out of shape"

"Personally I haven't been in good shape this season," the Brazil international, 27, told sports daily El Mundo Deportivo.

"I think I can work much harder and I want to make sure that I'm at the same level as the rest of the team next season."

Ronnie was given special dispensation alongside Milan wizard Kaka to miss the Copa America this summer. The pair said they needed a rest after barely being allowed a week off last year thanks to the World Cup.

"I renounced the Copa America because I want to make sure that I'm physically fit so that I can play more comfortably," he added. "I will be like I was before."

Barca travel to local rivals Nastic in the final Liga match of the season on Sunday hoping that they can better Madrid's result at home to Mallorca and win the title.

"We've had some good moments, some bad ones, some injuries to important players and some bad luck," he said.

"We've got one match still to play and we have to win it and then see what happens.... I believe in miracles."

Jonathan Symcox