Key Takeaways
- Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho will play for Italian third-tier side Ravenna.
- The match against local rivals Forli is scheduled for November 15.
- Ravenna signed Ronaldinho in June and he has since acquired a stake in the club.
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is set to make his return to competitive football, playing for Italian third-tier club Ravenna. The former Barcelona and AC Milan forward, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and the Ballon d’Or in 2005, will feature in a derby match against Forli on November 15.
Ravenna announced the news on Friday, confirming that Ronaldinho will be part of their squad. The 46-year-old footballer last played competitively for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015 and officially retired in 2018.
Ignazio Cipriani, a friend of Ronaldinho and owner of Ravenna, expressed his excitement about the move. 'I’m here to help,' Ronaldinho said upon arriving in Italy in August, leaving open the possibility of scoring his 300th career goal.
Cipriani's intention in signing Ronaldinho was to bring the entire city closer to the team. 'To bring the whole city closer to the team,' he stated, highlighting the significance of the footballer's presence.
Ravenna currently sits second in Serie C Group B with 20 points from 10 games, eight points behind leaders Spezia. The match against Forli will take place at Ravenna’s Stadio Bruno Benelli.
Ronaldinho’s return to the pitch is a significant moment for football fans, especially those in Italy and Brazil. His last competitive match was in 2015, and his presence is expected to boost both the team and the local community.
The move by Ravenna to sign Ronaldinho is part of a broader strategy to enhance the club’s profile and attract more fans. The footballer’s decision to join the club and his ongoing commitment to the sport are seen as positive signals for the future of the team.
While Ronaldinho has not confirmed his participation in the upcoming match, his presence in the squad is a clear indication of his desire to continue playing. The match against Forli is a crucial one for both teams, and the presence of a football legend could add an extra layer of excitement to the game.
