Ronaldinho, twice a Fifa World Player of the Year, has been repeatedly linked with a move to Chelsea or AC Milan after struggling to find form this season.

But Soriano said the Brazilian's fitness was improving and defended the player's reputation amid a spate of reports concerning his lax attitude.

"Ronaldinho is getting better and better," he said.

"He has come off the back of four years of very tough playing and was kind of exhausted this summer.

"He took some good vacation and now our coach, manager, and doctors say he's getting back to his best."

Ronaldinho has been replaced in four out of seven league games so far but did twice get on the scoresheet along with Thierry Henry in Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Real Betis at the weekend.

Soriano talked about the pressure that surrounds such players.

"The fans expect a lot from Ronaldinho, Thierry, and all the big players. But they also respect them a lot.

"There's a lot of media noise when one of these big players doesn't perform as expected, but you cannot expect them to perform extraordinarily every week. And the fans understand that."

Ronaldinho and ex-Arsenal striker Henry will both face Rangers in their Champions League game at the Nou Camp on Wednesday evening with Soriano predicting a tough task in unlocking the Scottish team's defence.

"I think it's fully respectable the kind of football Rangers play and I think it's our fault we were not able to score in Glasgow," he said.

"It's our responsibility to try to break them down and score.

"A goal - early or late - is important.

"We recognise that the way Rangers play is very difficult for us because they are very solid in their defensive skill."