Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Aug 6 (IANS): Ronaldinho Gaucho has confirmed he remains motivated at Minas football club Atletico-MG and claimed he only missed the last three matches to improve his physical condition.

"I am extremely motivated. We have the chance to take this club to a higher level. My desire is to take Atletico as far as possible," he said, while admitting that he is not currently in top physical condition.

"I am undertaking physical preparation so I can last the remaining months of the year," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua on Monday.

Ronaldinho missed games against Cruzeiro, Atletico-PR and Flamengo. Atletico lost all three matches and have slipped into the relegation zone of the Brazilian league.

The 33-year-old hasn't played since helping Atletico to their Copa Libertadores triumph on July 24. Since that game, almost two weeks ago, he has been linked with a return to European football at Turkish club Besiktas.