Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement to play for Italian third-division side Ravenna in their upcoming Serie C match against Forli on Sunday, November 15, at 17:30 local time. The 46-year-old former Brazil international has joined Ravenna's training sessions ahead of the Group B regional derby at the Stadio Comunale Bruno Benelli. This match marks Ronaldinho's return to competitive football after an 11-year hiatus.
Ronaldinho officially announced his retirement in 2018, but his final professional appearance was in September 2015 during a brief stint with Brazilian outfit Fluminense. His return to the pitch is linked to his off-field business ventures, as he acquired an ownership stake in Ravenna earlier this year alongside club president Ignazio Cipriani. Additionally, his personal 'R10' brand now serves as the team's technical sponsor.
Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini has confirmed that Ronaldinho will start against Forli, who currently sit 15th in the league table. This match could be a significant milestone for Ronaldinho, as he currently has 299 senior career goals and needs just one successful strike to reach the 300-goal milestone. When asked about the statistical landmark, Ronaldinho downplayed its importance, saying, "Am I missing my 300th career goal? Right now I'm not thinking about it... we'll see."
During his peak, Ronaldinho was regarded as one of the most entertaining and technically gifted players in world football. He captured the 2005 Ballon d'Or during his time at Barcelona, where he won the 2004/05 and 2005/06 LALIGA titles, as well as the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League. He later transferred to AC Milan, contributing to their 2010/11 Serie A triumph.
Ronaldinho's return to competitive football brings his unparalleled pedigree to a Ravenna side with massive long-term ambitions. Club president Cipriani has outlined plans to guide the team from Serie C to European competition in the coming years. With Ronaldinho on board, Ravenna hopes to achieve significant success in the Italian football pyramid.
The match against Forli will be a significant test for Ravenna, who are looking to make a strong impression in the Serie C league. With Ronaldinho's experience and skill, the team is expected to perform well. The Brazilian legend's presence is also expected to attract a large crowd to the Stadio Comunale Bruno Benelli.
As Ronaldinho prepares to take the field, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating his performance. With a decorated career behind him, Ronaldinho is poised to make a lasting impact on Italian football. His commitment to Ravenna and his desire to contribute to the team's success have generated significant excitement among football enthusiasts.
Key points
- Ronaldinho will play for Ravenna in their Serie C fixture against Forli on Sunday, November 15.
- The match could mark a significant milestone for Ronaldinho, as he seeks to reach the 300-goal milestone.
- Ronaldinho's return to competitive football is linked to his off-field business ventures with Ravenna.
