Ronaldinho Makes Surprise Return to Football with Italian Club Ravenne

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make a surprise return to the sport with Italian club Ravenne, 11 years after his last match. The 46-year-old will play for the third-division club, which has ambitions to reach the Serie A. Ronaldinho expressed his excitement to be part of the club's project, stating he wants to have a great day and be part of something special.

Ronaldinho, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and was part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning team, has had a illustrious career. He played for top clubs like Paris SG, FC Barcelona, and AC Milan, and has been capped 97 times for Brazil, scoring 33 goals. Despite his achievements, there are uncertainties about his current form and whether he will play more matches this season.

Ravenne, an Italian club from Emilia-Romagna, has never played in the top division and currently sits second in the third division's Group B. The club's owner, Ignazio Cipriani, aims to promote Ravenne to Serie A in the long term, but first, they need to secure a spot in Serie B. The club's upcoming match against Forli is sold out, with a temporary stand added to accommodate more fans.

The match against Forli, which takes place on Sunday, will mark Ronaldinho's first game for Ravenne. Coach Andrea Mandorlini confirmed that Ronaldinho will start the match, which is part of the 14th round of Serie C. The Brazilian legend's return has generated significant interest, with fans eager to see him in action.

Ronaldinho's career has taken him to various countries, including Mexico, where he played for a season in 2014-15. He has a history of scoring crucial goals, including a memorable strike against Inter Milan in 2008. The player has expressed his gratitude to the fans and is looking forward to experiencing a special moment in his life.

The Italian club's owner, Ignazio Cipriani, has invested heavily in the team, and Ronaldinho's signing appears to be a marketing coup. However, Cipriani insists that the ultimate goal is to promote Ravenne to Serie A. The club's fans are optimistic about their team's chances, and Ronaldinho's presence is expected to boost their morale.

As Ronaldinho prepares to take the field, fans and critics alike are eager to see how he will perform. Despite concerns about his current form, the Brazilian legend's experience and skill are expected to make a significant impact. The match against Forli will be a crucial test for Ravenne and Ronaldinho as they aim to achieve their goals.

Key points

• Ronaldinho will make his debut for Ravenne against Forli on Sunday.
• The Brazilian legend has not played a competitive match since 2015.
• Ravenne aims to secure promotion to Serie B and eventually Serie A.