Ronaldinho credits fans for return to form

Ronaldinho has attributed his return to form to the support of AC Milan's fans ahead of the visit of Olympique Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday, where a win would put the Italian club through to the knockout stages.

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Ronaldinho "feels at home" at the San Siro.

Milan endured a shaky start to the season in European and domestic competitions, partially because of poor showings from Ronaldinho. Pundits were questioning their ability to challenge for silverware with their star Brazilian misfiring.

But an improving Ronaldinho has coincided with a change in fortunes for Milan, who sit third in Serie A and have put their Champions League destiny in their own hands by taking four points from home and away ties with Real Madrid. Milan top Group C, on the same points as Real Madrid, with Marseille one point back with two games to play.

Ronaldinho, now settled on the left of a front three, blasted in a penalty and produced some exquisite touches in Sunday's 4-3 win over Cagliari.

"For me it's easy to be able to play with intelligent players like Marco Borriello and Alexandre Pato who understand what I can do for them on the pitch," Ronaldinho said. "Right now playing at the San Siro makes me feel good, here I feel at home, the fans understand I needed their support and this makes me happy."

Forward Borriello was so impressive against Cagliari he could keep European specialist Filippo Inzaghi out of the lineup while coach Leonardo will have defender Alessandro Nesta back from suspension after shipping three bad goals on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Marseille boosted morale with a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Paris St Germain on Friday. The former European champions, four points behind surprise leaders Auxerre in Ligue 1, have a doubt over midfielder Stephane Mbia (ankle sprain).

"It's nice to have beaten Paris before going to Milan, it's good for our confidence," said Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze. "Milan are a different proposition but I believe we can win there. We have to if we want to qualify."

Midfielder Fabrice Abriel said the man to watch would be Clarence Seedorf, who set up both Inzaghi's goals in Milan's 2-1 win at Marseille in September.

"Seedorf is their most important player and we'll have to keep an eye on him," said Abriel. "He's the one who gives all the good balls, he's very intelligent and he's real added value for Milan."

If Marseille lose, Real can go through at their expense with a home win over Zurich.