Kaka: Go get Ronie

The Catalan giants are currently experiencing a slump in form, and face a battle to stay in the Champions League after slipping to a 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of their last 16 tie, prompting Kaka to speculate on a downturn in their fortunes.

“Teams live in cycles,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I don't know if Barcelona's cycle will end this year, but it will happen soon.

“For three seasons, they have been the best in Europe. They touched the top and not all of their players will wait for the cycle to restart.

“[Paolo] Maldini did at Milan. I don't know if Ronaldinho will do the same. If he should come on the market, then I hope Milan will be able to sign him.”

The 24-year-old also speculated upon a possible rendez-vous with former team-mate Andriy Shevchenko should Milan and Chelsea both progress from their Champions League ties against Celtic and Porto respectively, and said he feels the Ukrainian would deserve a warm welcome back.

“A Milan v Chelsea clash in the Champions League, should both sides advance, wouldn't be ideal for Andriy nor for our supporters,” he said.

“But should it happen, then I think he would deserve to be clapped, and I think out supporters would do so.”