Brazil legend Ronaldinho has announced a comeback to football at the age of 46, aiming to score his 300th career goal for Italian third-tier side Ravenna. Thousands of fans gathered at a city beach for an event dubbed “Ronaldinho Day” to witness the unveiling of the former Paris St-Germain, Barcelona, and AC Milan playmaker.
A Comeback at 46
Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna, a Serie C side seeking a return to Serie B, where they last played in 2008. The forward's comeback was first announced in June by Ignazio Cipriani, an Italian-American businessman and owner of the club since 2024. He stated that Ronaldinho's objective is "romantic, to try to score his last goal."
A New Chapter for Ronaldinho
The former World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient expressed his happiness to be back in Italy, saying, "Coming back to Italy is wonderful, I'm here to help my teammates win." He also acknowledged that he's in shape, adding, "As you can see, I'm in shape, I feel good… If I could score my 300th goal, that would be even more beautiful." Ronaldinho won the World Cup in 2002, scoring the winning goal against England in the quarter-final, and the Ballon d'Or in 2005.
No Immediate Return to Action
Ronaldinho will not play against Reggiana on Monday in the Serie C season opener, according to Cipriani. The businessman emphasized that Ronaldinho's involvement is not a token gesture or a marketing stunt to get people talking about the club. He stated that the forward's participation is genuine, aimed at helping the team achieve their objectives.
A New Era for Ravenna
Ravenna finished third in Group B of last season's third-tier championship, and the club is seeking a return to Serie B. With Ronaldinho's involvement, the team's chances of promotion may improve. However, it remains to be seen how much impact the 46-year-old will have on the pitch.
What's Next for Ronaldinho?
Ronaldinho's comeback has generated significant attention, with thousands of fans gathering to witness his unveiling. While it remains to be seen whether he will score his 300th goal, his involvement with Ravenna is a significant development for the club. As the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Ronaldinho performs and whether he can help Ravenna achieve their objectives.
Source: Joy Online
