Ronaldinho and his team-mates are currently at a training camp in Dubai and do not play again until January 11 when they face a tricky test at Roma.

Inter Milan are odds on favourites to lift the title for the fourth time on the trot but Ronaldinho insists his side are legitimate title contenders, despite trailing the Serie A champions by nine points.

"To have a great UEFA Cup, that's one of our aims, as well as ending the campaign in the top posts in the table to be able to return to the Champions League next year," Ronaldinho told the club website, www.acmilan.com.

"This preparation is fundamental for the second part of the season, also because we have the chance of recovering our injured players who we have missed a lot this season.

"At the restart we immediately have a difficult game against Roma, in an atmosphere where there is a lot of enthusiasm, and we have to start well.

"For that reason we have to work hard. It won't be easy, but only by training hard and playing well can we recover the points that separate us from Inter.

"We have every chance to do that because 2009 will be a very great year."

Ronaldinho has been enjoying a good spell in Milan following his summer move from Barcelona after a disappointing final season at the Nou Camp.

And the 28-year-old believes he could see out his playing days at the San Siro.

"At the moment I don't want to think and I'm not thinking about when I will end my career," added Ronaldinho.

"But of course at this moment I can't imagine myself in any club other than Milan."