SAO PAULO, Brazil _ Ronaldinho could have a great Olympics if he plays for the national side, says the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

The former world footballer of the year, recovering from injury, said this week he expects to be in Beijing with Brazil.

Confederation president Ricardo Teixeira hopes so.

"He's a player who has the possibility of having a great Olympics," Teixeira told Globo television station on Thursday. "I ask the fans to support Ronaldinho, who is very important to the team."

Ronaldinho attended Brazil's scoreless draw with Argentina on Wednesday and said the Olympics were on his mind.

"I'm sure I'll be in Beijing," he told SporTV. "God willing I'll return. I'm recovering from my injury and I want to return healthy as soon as possible to the national team."

Ronaldinho lost his status as the world's best player during a poor season with FC Barcelona beset by injuries _ he missed the last six weeks of the Spanish season with torn adductor muscles and wasn't available when Barcelona reached the Champions League semifinals. Even when fit he was benched, and the Spanish media repeatedly questioned his attitude and social habits.

Barcelona is trying to offload Ronaldinho with two years left on his contract, and Manchester City is one option.