Ronaldinho has made a stunning return to football by signing for third-tier Italian club Ravenna – but the 46-year-old Brazil icon will not be lacing up his boots once again.
The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan superstar announced his retirement from football after a short stint with Fluminense in 2015.
Now having enjoyed retirement for 11 years, Ronaldinho has shocked world football by agreeing a surprise transfer to Serie C outfit Ravenna, where he is set to undertake a marketing role.
Ronaldinho, who will be officially unveiled at an event in Miami next week, teased a potential return to the pitch upon his arrival, saying: ‘New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family.
‘Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.’
It was later confirmed by Ravenna’s honourary vice president Ariedo Braida that the World Cup winner would regrettably not be able to play for the club due to his age.
Ronaldinho has made a stunning return to football by signing for third-tier Italian club Ravenna
Ravenna fans (above) will sadly not see the Brazilian football icon grace the pitch at 46
The former Barcelona superstar will be officially unveiled at an event in Miami next week
‘Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,’ Braida revealed.
‘I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player. I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.’
The Italian vice president had set tongues wagging over Ronaldinho’s potential involvement as a player before the shock move was officially confirmed by the club.
He refused to rule out a remarkable return to the pitch for the 46-year-old veteran in an interview with Italian outlet ANSA last week.
‘Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna and, for a club like ours, it’s an extraordinary coup,’ he told them.
‘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.’
During his illustrious career, Ronaldinho won the World Cup, a Champions League, two LaLiga titles and a Serie A trophy before hanging up his boots in 2015.
He also won a string of individual accolades including the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.
Ronaldinho is currently out in the United States cheering on Brazil during the World Cup, having last watched Carlo Ancelotti’s side defeat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia.
