BY GRACE ZIGAH
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has announced a sensational return to competitive football at the age of 46, with the former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan star set to become involved with Italian Serie C club Ravenna.
The announcement attracted significant attention in Italy, with thousands of supporters gathering at a city beach for an event dubbed “Ronaldinho Day.” Despite heavy rain, fans turned out to welcome the legendary playmaker, who retired from professional football more than a decade ago.
Ronaldinho, who ended his playing career in 2015, told supporters that he was delighted to return to Italy and expressed his desire to help Ravenna achieve success. He also revealed an ambitious personal target — scoring what he hopes will be the 300th goal of his career.
“I’m very happy to be here with friends, we have a team that can do something good,” Ronaldinho said.
Asked whether supporters would actually see him on the pitch, the former Brazil international admitted that the final decision would rest with the coach.
“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,” he said.
Ronaldinho also insisted that he remains physically capable of contributing, saying he feels fit enough to contemplate making an appearance.
“As you can see, I’m in shape, I feel good,” he said. “If I could score my 300th goal that would be even more beautiful.”
The Brazilian officially ended his professional career in September 2015, with his final official appearance coming for Brazilian club Fluminense. Since then, he has remained a prominent figure in world football through ambassadorial activities, exhibitions and football-related events.
His return to the playing environment therefore represents a remarkable development for a player whose career was defined by creativity, flair and some of the most memorable individual performances of his generation.
Ronaldinho enjoyed extraordinary success at international level with Brazil. He was part of the squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup and scored the decisive goal in Brazil’s quarter-final victory over England. Three years later, he received the prestigious Ballon d’Or after an outstanding period with Barcelona.
