Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has come out of retirement at the age of 46 to join Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC. The former Barcelona and Brazil star, who won the World Cup and the Ballon d'Or during his illustrious career, last played professionally in 2015 after a brief spell with Fluminense.
Return to Football
Ronaldinho's return to football comes 11 years after he hung up his boots. Ravenna FC narrowly missed out on promotion last season, and club owner Ignazio Cipriani has been seeking to make a statement in the transfer market. The signing is set to be officially announced at an event in Miami next week.
Ronaldinho's Statement
On his comeback, Ronaldinho said: “New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.”
Owner's Admiration
Cipriani revealed that Ronaldinho was his childhood idol. He added: “I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home. Acquiring Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club. He was my idol and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”
Marketing Role, Not Playing
Conflicting reports have emerged, indicating that Ronaldinho's signing is primarily a marketing role or publicity stunt. Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida clarified that Ronaldinho will not play in Serie C. He told The Sun: “Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player. I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.”
