Ronaldinho comes out of retirement at age of 46, signs with Italian third-tier club Ravenna
Ravenna, June 20
Brazil football icon Ronaldinho has reportedly come out of retirement, completing a shock move to Italy's third-tier club Ravenna in the Serie C, more than a decade after his last professional appearance.
The club officials initially had suggested that Ronaldinho's role with the club would be limited to marketing purposes, but since then, they have refused to rule out the possibility of 46-year-old Brazil legend gracing the football pitch again, as per Goal.com.
As per Gazzetta, as quoted by Goal.com, the former Ballon d'Or winner is set to be presented as the newest member of the club at Miami on June 23 during a special event.
The deal marks a return to Italy for FC Barcelona icon, who had appeared for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011. Since his last professional appearance for Fluminense in 2015, Ronaldinho has been a regular at the exhibition and legend football matches. Now, he is returning to a professional club environment for Ravenna under the coach Andrea Mandorlini
Questions quickly emerged about what Ronaldinho's role would be, besides promotional and marketing duties. The club's vice-president, Ariedo Braida, initially suggested the Brazilian would not feature in Serie C matches.
He said as per Goal.com: "Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. Also, because he is 46, I wish he could still play."
But later on, the VP left the door open for a potential return to pitch. Speaking to ANSA as quoted by Goal.com, he said, "Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna and, for a club like ours, it's an extraordinary coup. Over the next few days, there will be an event to unveil this extraordinary character. Will he play? We'll see, but it's not ruled out. As I already said, he is a timeless champion."
Despite all the uncertainty what exactly Ronaldinho will be doing with the club, the footballer is immensely excited to be joining the club and the UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner with Brazil is eager to bring his "Joga Bonito" philosophy to the club.
"New colours, same smile," Ronaldinho said. "I cannot wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Marketing gimmick yaar. But who cares? It's Ronaldinho! 😍 The man who made football look like samba dance. I'll watch Ravenna's matches just to see his smile and maybe a cheeky no-look pass. Italian third division just became the most interesting league temporarily!
At 46, coming out of retirement after almost a decade? I hope this doesn't turn into a sad spectacle where fans remember his prime and feel disappointed. Remember how painful it was watching Sachin's last years? But then again, Ronaldinho's joy for the game is infectious. Let him dance one more time! ⚽
"Joga Bonito" philosophy ❤️ That's what's missing in modern football - the joy, the flair, the street football creativity. Ronaldinho might not have the legs anymore, but he has the spirit. Even if this is just for marketing, it's brilliant marketing. Ravenna's jersey sales are going to skyrocket in Brazil and India!
Honestly, this feels a bit desperate from both sides. Ravenna wants attention, Ronaldinho wants the spotlight again. But as a fan who grew up watching his magical runs in the 2002 World Cup, I'll take it. Just hope he doesn't embarrass himself. Serie C is still competitive football, not a charity match.
Ye to wohi hai na jo FIFA mein sabse fun player tha! 😂 Indian football fans ko bhi aisi legends chahiye. Imagine if someone like Sunil Chhetri did something similar after retiring - the whole country would go crazy. Ronaldinho at 46 still has more charisma than most current players
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