Former Brazil star Ronaldinho, 46, returns to professional football with Italian third-division club Ravenna, saying he is targeting his 300th career goal. He retired from competitive football in 2015 and is now making a comeback more than a decade later.
Sources report that the decision is presented as a personal sporting goal rather than a marketing move. Ravenna’s owner, Ignazio Cipriani, says Ronaldinho’s involvement is not a publicity stunt and that Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in the club. The announcement was made after it was originally revealed in June during events connected to the World Cup in Miami.
BBC and AFP reports note Ronaldinho’s background, including major honours such as the 2002 World Cup and the Ballon d’Or in 2005. On Thursday, Ronaldinho speaks at his presentation in Ravenna and says he is in shape, while adding that whether he plays depends on the coach. One report also states he is not expected to play in the Serie C opener against Reggiana.
Ravenna are coming off a third-place finish in their group last season and aim to return to Serie B, where they have not played since 2008.
