The Brazilian playmaker has has a torrid time at Barcelona this season and has been heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Inter's city rivals AC Milan.

But, ahead of his 200th game in charge of the Serie A giants, Mancini confirmed the Nerazzurri's interest in the 27-year-old who has yet to play in 2008 as he recovers from a knee injury.

"Two months ago I said Inter were going to sign Ronaldinho," said Mancini. "And no one believed me, in fact everyone started laughing.

"I don't think it would be a problem fitting him into a squad. Ronaldinho is a great player.

"What's more important than behaviour is that a champion steps onto the pitch and changes the game and Ronaldinho does that always."

Reports in Italy suggest that Inter could be set to offload troubled star Adriano to offset the hefty costs of bringing Ronaldinho to the San Siro.

And the money that Inter would net from the sale of Adriano, currently on loan at Sao Paolo where he bagged a brace on his debut, could be on the up if the Brazilian's dazzling form for his new club continues.

"It was important for him to return to Brazil," added Mancini. "He's rediscovered his enthusiasm.

"Here, after a few goals he was charged with too great a responsibility."