Milan will never transfer Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, declared club owner and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday.

"Ronaldinho is not transferable and we're all in agreement that he will remain at Milan as long as he continues to play," Berlusconi said.

"I've not spoken to him recently, but it is certain that we will be renewing his contract and that he'll stay (at Milan) as long as he continues to play. I consider him the best player of all time."

Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and was at the peak of his powers a year later when his dazzling skills inspired Barcelona to a league and Champions League double.

He experienced a sharp downturn in form thereafter, however, and joined Milan in July 2008 for a fee in the region of €18.5 million.

The 30-year-old has not yet hit the heights he reached in Catalonia during his time in Italy, although he appeared close to his best in the early months of last season, when Milan finished third in Serie A.

He has recently been linked with a return to his native Brazil in the colours of Flamengo, having been left out of the Brazil squad at the World Cup, but Berlusconi dismissed the rumours.

"He's the biggest attraction at Milan. He's worth the ticket price alone," said the prime minister.