Ronaldinho Returns To Football At 46, To Play For Italian Club Ravenna

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho has arrived in Italy ahead of his presentation as a new player of Ravenna, the Serie C club announced Thursday.

The 46-year-old former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan star is returning to competitive football after retiring in 2015.

His move to Ravenna is part of a wider commercial plan by the club, although he is expected to make at least one official appearance.

Thousands of supporters gathered at a beach in the city despite heavy rain to welcome Ronaldinho during an event called “Ronaldinho Day.”

Speaking to fans, the former Brazil international said he was delighted to be back in Italy and hoped to help the team achieve its goals.

He also left open the possibility of playing, saying the final decision would be made by the coach.

Ronaldinho added that he feels fit and would love to score the 300th goal of his professional career if given the opportunity.

“I’m very happy to be here with friends, we have a team that can do something good,” said Ronaldinho, who will become a shareholder in the Serie C side.

“Will you see me play? I don’t know, only the coach knows that. Coming back to Italy is wonderful, I’m here to help my teammates win.

“As you can see, I’m in shape, I feel good… If I could score my 300th goal, that would be even more beautiful.”

The former forward played his final official match for Brazilian side Fluminense in September 2015.

During his career, Ronaldinho won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and scored the decisive goal in the quarter-final victory over England. He also claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani first revealed the comeback plans in June while attending the World Cup in Miami.

According to him, Ronaldinho’s main motivation is to return to the pitch and try to score one final goal.

Cipriani insisted that the move was not simply a publicity stunt, stressing that Ronaldinho would become a shareholder in the club.

“His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal,” said Cipriani on Thursday.

“His involvement is not a token gesture or a marketing stunt to get people talking about us.”

However, the club owner confirmed that the Brazilian will not feature when Ravenna face Reggiana in their Serie C opening game on Monday.

Ravenna finished third in Group B of the Italian third tier last season and are aiming to earn promotion back to Serie B, a division they have not played in since 2008.

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