Ronaldinho, the previous Brazil and Barcelona legend, has signed for Italian Serie C facet Ravenna FC, it has been revealed – however it’s unclear whether or not the 46-year-old will truly play a aggressive match.
The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner – who final performed professionally greater than a decade in the past – is ready to be formally unveiled by the membership at an occasion in Miami on 23 June. The World Cup winner can also be a shareholder on the membership.
Ronaldinho, who has been following Brazil at this summer season’s World Cup, stated: “New colors, identical smile. I can not wait to bounce with the ball and write a fantastic new story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani household.
“Soccer has all the time been joyful for me, and I’m excited to convey that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic start!”
Ravenna, a membership primarily based in northern Italy, are at present owned by businessman Ignazio Cipriani, who accomplished a takeover of the membership in 2024, whereas former AC Milan government Ariedo Braida is the membership’s vice-president.
Cipriani has been quoted as saying: “Bringing Ronaldinho to Ravenna FC by Cipriani is a unprecedented second for the membership.
“He was my idol rising up, and his affect on the sport extends far past soccer.
“Past what he brings to the membership, I hope his involvement evokes a brand new technology of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna FC and develop into a part of what we’re constructing for the longer term.”
Conflicting statements
Preliminary studies hinted at Ronaldinho’s want to make a proper comeback on the pitch, with the playmaker reportedly claiming to have made himself accessible for pre-season because the crew prepares to push for promotion to Italy’s second tier.
Braida initially fuelled hypothesis by saying it was “not out of the query” that Ronaldinho would function for the crew, including that “he’s a champion, he has no age”.
Nonetheless, Braida then seems to have rejected claims the Brazilian would play, as a substitute suggesting he would solely return to the pitch for a “advertising and marketing occasion”.
Braida stated: “Ronaldinho will do a advertising and marketing occasion with us however is not going to play for Ravenna in Serie C subsequent season. Additionally as a result of he’s 46, I want he may nonetheless play.
“Ronaldinho was a phenomenon and was a beautiful participant. I’ve had a beautiful relationship with him since his time at Milan, however he gained’t play in Serie C with us.”
